Justin Duino
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How-To Geek,
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Covers:
Consumer technology and home goods
Tech Journalist • Editorial Director, Reviews: @Valnetinc (@howtogeek, @muo_official, more) • Contact: justin.d@valnetinc.com • Find me on 🧵 @jaduino
Articles by Justin Duino
Celebrating 20 years of How-To Geek
20 years of How-To Geek. It is hard to believe, but our publication first launched in 2006, covering technology that looks almost prehistoric compared to the current landscape. Today, it's a new world of AI agents and vibe coding. When HTG started out, iPhones weren't even announced. Heck, Windows Vista wasn't even out yet. The first Wayback Machine snapshot of the site is from November 28, 2006. The first post on the page is "Format a String as Currency in C#".
From exoskeletons to PCs inside keyboards: The best tech of CES 2026
We're on the ground floor at CES 2026, the annual consumer electronics show that sets the stage for a new year in technology. As always, there's no shortage of great products and concepts at CES, but here are our favorites of 2026. Best Laptop: Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition Credit: Justin Duino / How-To Geek High-end laptops should be able to do anything and everything.
After Using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, I'm Ready to Ditch My iPhone
Samsung's latest foldables and wearables are here, and after going hands-on with all of them, one thing is crystal clear: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally delivers a foldable experience that feels truly ready for the mainstream. For the first time, I can genuinely imagine ditching my daily driver for something that folds.
I’ve Used Dozens of Headphones—These Got the Controls Right
After making some of my favorite earbuds over the past four years, Nothing has finally released its first pair of over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1). After a week of testing, I can confidently say these headphones are more than just a design statement.
This Is the MagSafe Wallet Apple Should Have Made
Even when Apple made a leather MagSafe wallet, I wasn't a fan. Thankfully, Nomad has a new minimalist wallet with an Apple Find My Bluetooth tracker built in. After a week with the Nomad Leather Mag Wallet, I can tell you it's not leaving my iPhone anytime soon.
After Trying the Google Android XR Glasses, I’m Ready to Ditch My Meta Ray-Bans Original
Google wrapped up its I/O 2025 keynote today with an extensive demo of its Android XR glasses, showcasing Gemini-powered translation, navigation, and messaging features. Although the on-stage showcase was cool, we didn't really see anything new. You could say I was unimpressed. But then I got to use the glasses for five minutes, and I can't wait to buy a pair.
The Google Pixel 9a Proves Once and for All That Budget Phones Are Worth Buying Original
Last year's Pixel 8a felt like a budget phone and seemed unnecessary in Google's lineup. This year, the search giant turned things around. With near-flagship performance and a sub-$500 price, the Pixel 9a might be the best-value Android phone in 2025. Google Pixel 9a The Google Pixel 9a is a budget-friendly smartphone with powerful AI features, a high-quality camera system, and clean Android software packed into a sleek, durable design.
MWC 2025: What's Happening and Why It's a Big Deal This Year
It's that time again: MWC 2025 is just around the corner, and heaps of leading tech companies are waiting to launch shiny new tech. There's a great deal to be excited about, and the MakeUseOf team is going to bring you the best of the event directly from the floor. What Is MWC 2025? MWC (Mobile World Congress) is one of the biggest tech events of the year, where leading tech companies from around the globe showcase the latest gadgets, software, and, lately, innovations in the AI space.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Is a Great Phone, but It Doesn’t Stand Out Original
I'll cut straight to the point. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fantastic phone. It was also one of the easiest phones I've ever reviewed because it's not much different from last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $1300 $1500 Save $200 The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartphone with a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra Feels Nice, but Samsung Didn’t Provide a Reason to Upgrade Original
It's another year of refinements for Samsung with the announcement of the Galaxy S25 series. The hardware remains great, but the company hasn't given much of a reason to upgrade, unless you're interested in personalized AI features. I've gone hands-on with all three phone, and have some thoughts. The Ultra Is the Only Phone Seeing Physical Changes The Ultra lineup has always looked and felt like a phablet. It's a large phone with a lot of power under the hood.
After Trying the Galaxy S24 FE, I'd Buy Samsung's Flagship S24+ Original
The Galaxy S24 series are some of the best Android smartphones you can buy today, but being flagship devices, they can be a bit expensive. Samsung's answer for fans looking for a more budget-friendly handset is the new Galaxy S24 FE. It shares a lot of features with the more expensive models, but it's obvious where corners were cut. After checking out the phone, I think you should stick with the flagships.
The iPhone 16's Camera Control Button Is Useful but Also incredibly Inconvenient Original
The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 series has pressure-sensitive features, but its awkward placement hinders easy access. On-screen controls are more convenient than using Camera Control due to the button's complexity and multiple steps to adjust settings. Case manufacturers are working to accommodate Camera Control, but its usefulness may not justify upgrading solely for this feature.
The Beats iPhone Case Offers Style You Won't Get From Apple Original
The Beats iPhone case with MagSafe offers a minimalistic design with color options for $49. It features a hard shell with MagSafe and a responsive Camera Control button. The case is sleek, slim, and has clicky buttons, but it lacks protection on the bottom edge. Apple makes first-party cases for its iPhones, and while I like the clean-cut look of its silicone case, it's a bland design.
The Pixel 9 Pro Is Proof That Google Is Taking Hardware Seriously Original
Google's Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL offer top-tier hardware design and camera quality, ideal for advanced AI applications. Gemini and Google Assistant integration enhances user experience, but the devices lack Qi2 support, and some AI features seem gimmicky. Pricing starts at $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro and $1,099 for the Pro XL. In years past, Google's take on Android and the Pixel software experience have been the primary reasons to buy one of the company's phones over something from Samsung.
Hands on With the Google Pixel 9 Series, 9 Pro Fold, Watch 3, and Buds Pro 2 Original
Instead of waiting for October, Google took to its Silicon Valley HQ to unveil its latest generation of products at today's Made By Google event. Instead of relying on AI and software features to be the star of the show, Google made serious improvements to its Pixel 9 lineup, with much-needed upgrades to the Watch 3 and Buds Pro 3. I got an early hands-on with everything announced, so here are my first impressions.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: Not Just for Early Adopters Anymore Original
Refined screen sizes, decreased weight, and polished software make the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 a solid choice. Despite some downsides, like app optimization and no Qi2 magnetic charging, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still worth the hefty $1900 price tag. Samsung's improvements in hardware design and software AI features make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a compelling foldable phone option. In the U.S., Samsung has led the foldable market.
Samsung Galaxy Ring, Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch Ultra, and More Hands On
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Samsung Galaxy Ring, Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch Ultra, and More Hands On
Samsung took to the streets of Paris today to announce its latest lineup of foldables, wearables, and earbuds at its Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event. I got an early sneak peek at the Galaxy Ring, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Watch 7, Watch Ultra, and Buds 3/Pro, and while I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this year's upgrade, I walked away thoroughly impressed.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 Gen 9 Unboxing & First Impressions Original
Windows Your browser does not support the video tag. The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 Gen 9 is a gaming laptop packed with premium features. It has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, and a 2K display that really delivers the graphics you expect at this price. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Netgear Orbi 970 Wi-Fi 7 System Unboxing & First Impressions
Hardware Your browser does not support the video tag. Netgear's Orbi 970 Wi-Fi system is a serious mesh network for serious buyers who know what they want. Yes it brings you up to the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, but there's so much more here -- and a huge price tag. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Elgato Stream Deck Neo Unboxing & First Impressions
Windows Your browser does not support the video tag. Elgato's Stream Decks are well-known productivity-boosters, and the Neo is the latest version. These programmable hardware shortcut keys extend your Windows or Mac computer's functionality in endless ways. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 Unboxing & First Impressions
Hardware Your browser does not support the video tag. The Keys-To-Go 2 is a new compact and portable Bluetooth keyboard offering from Logitech, designed to be used with the iPad. The latest version has a key that lets you cycle quickly through paired devices, and Logitech claims three years of battery life from its coin cell batteries. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Sonos Roam 2 Unboxing & First Impressions
Hardware Your browser does not support the video tag. The Roam 2 is the second-gen Bluetooth speaker from Sonos, addressing some of the complaints of the original but still commanding a high price in the world of portable speakers. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Lenovo Legion 7i 16 Gen 9 Unboxing & First Impressions
Windows Your browser does not support the video tag. The Lenovo Legion 7i 16 Gen 9 packs a lot of power with the latest Intel i9-14900HX processor and RTX 4070 graphics card. The laptop actually has user-upgradable RAM and SSD, so you can easily upgrade it later. The 16-inch display is 2560x1600 and has a 240Hz refresh rate. Pricing starts at $1,700. Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Why I Ditched My Gaming Chair for the Steelcase Series 1 Original
The Steelcase Series 1's ergonomic design supports comfortable sitting all day. The chair also supports people of all sizes, even with its lightweight (yet sturdy) construction. The optional headrest might not be worth the extra cost, and the armrest could be improved. Like most office workers, I spend too many hours sitting every day. Although I have a standing desk, I don't use it as often as I should.
How We Test and Review Products at MakeUseOf
MakeUseOf’s mission is to simplify technology for everyone so that they can use and understand all the tech in their lives in practical ways. With product reviews, our technology experts strive to achieve that goal by evaluating the most popular devices available and providing the best buying advice for our readers. We employ a comprehensive and meticulous approach to product testing, ensuring that each device is evaluated thoroughly before we make any recommendations.
The Sonos Ace Headphones Have Replaced My AirPods Max
The Sonos Ace headphones offer fantastic sound quality, ANC, and comfort for long listening sessions. Controls are simple and easy to use with physical buttons, but some features are unavailable on Android at launch. Priced comparably to high-end headphones, they are a premium choice for music lovers seeking top-notch audio. After years of rumors and speculation, Sonos has finally entered the headphone market.
If Apple Made an Airtag for Your Wallet, It Would Be Nomad’s Tracking Card Original
The Nomad Tracking Card is a credit card-sized Bluetooth tracker that works on Apple's Find My network and is rechargeable via MagSafe/Qi2 chargers. Pairing and tracking is done through the Find My app. There is no need for a third-party app. Its slim design fits into your wallet like two stacked credit cards. It features a 5-month battery life, but lacks UWB and Android compatibility.
The Google Pixel 8a Is a Great Phone, but There Are Better Options
The Google Pixel 8a is a fantastic mid-tier phone with flagship features, but the price may not justify choosing it over a discounted Pixel 8. It includes unmatched performance with AI features and great cameras, but the budget look and feel might not appeal to everyone. The Pixel 8a is worth purchasing if you can grab it for free through your mobile carrier or at a reduced price.
The Price Is Steep, but I Highly Recommend the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum Original
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is a top-of-the-line robot vacuum, with impressive features like automatic emptying and object recognition. The $1,800 price tag may be steep, but the S8 MaxV Ultra offers value for its premium quality and innovative design upgrades. With a comprehensive mobile app, self-emptying dock, and advanced cleaning capabilities, this robot vacuum earns a 9 out of 10 rating.
I Was Actually Able to Sleep While Wearing These Headphones
The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds don't offer the greatest audio quality, but that isn't a breaking point. The earbuds are comfortable for side sleepers and come with various ear tip sizes and types so you can dial in the best fit. You can also expect impressive battery life and sleep-tracking data in Soundcore's companion app. I do not have difficulty falling asleep, but I do enjoy listening to music when I lie down. My wife, on the other hand, can't sleep when I have the TV on.
Twelve South Butterfly Review: Your iPhone and Apple Watch Need This Charger
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Twelve South Butterfly Review: Your iPhone and Apple Watch Need This Charger
The Twelve South Butterfly is ideal for jet-setters with a MagSafe iPhone and Apple Watch. The charger comes with a 30W power adapter, USB-C cable, and four international adapters. The Butterfly is not as thin as the MagSafe Duo, but it's more premium and more powerful than most 2-in-1 wireless chargers. MagSafe chargers made for nightstands and desks are a dime a dozen, but there aren't many premium, travel-friendly options, especially after Apple discontinued the MagSafe Duo.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: AI at the Forefront Original
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best display and processor on the market, making it a powerful and visually stunning smartphone. The AI features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra are useful and not gimmicks, enhancing the user experience. The inclusion of the S Pen may not be useful for everyone, and the cameras could use some improvement in performance. The Galaxy Ultra has always been Samsung's super-charged flagship smartphone, which hasn't changed with the S24 series.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Long-Term Review: A Nearly Perfect Pixel
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has no performance issues, overheating, or major pitfalls, making it suitable for more than just Android enthusiasts. The smartphone has some of the best smartphone cameras and a premium look and feel with a matte back glass. The device offers Face Unlock for biometrics, performance improvements, and AI features, but the temperature sensor is not useful.
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adaptor Review: Your Travel Bag Needs This Charger
The Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter is a thin and lightweight charger that can easily fit into any bag, making it ideal for travel. It can provide enough power to slow charge a laptop and one extra device, making it convenient for charging multiple devices on the go. However, it comes at a premium price compared to chargers with similar outputs, and it may not fit all outlet styles, including power strips.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review: The Best Hardware, Aging Design Original
When Samsung offered to fly me out to Seoul, South Korea, for its Galaxy Unpacked event, I had a feeling the phones it planned to launch were going to be great. Now that I've spent some time with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Z Flip 5, I can confidently say that Samsung currently has the best foldables on the market (at least in the U.S.), but the smaller of the two phones saw the more noteworthy upgrades.
Dangbei Neo Smart Projector Review: A Great Choice at the Right Price Original
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 7/10 ?
Priority Bicycles e-Coast Review: An Effortless and Luxurious Ebike Original
Rating: 9/10 ? 1 - Absolute Hot Garbage 2 - Sorta Lukewarm Garbage 3 - Strongly Flawed Design 4 - Some Pros, Lots Of Cons 5 - Acceptably Imperfect 6 - Good Enough to Buy On Sale 7 - Great, But Not Best-In-Class 8 - Fantastic, with Some Footnotes 9 - Shut Up And Take My Money 10 - Absolute Design Nirvana Price: $1,999.99 Priority Bicycles’ e-Coast cruiser is an exceptional ebike. With its large seat, wide handlebar, and fat tires, the ride is incredibly comfortable.
Autonomous SmartDesk Core Review: Durable and Relatively Affordable Original
Rating: 8/10 ? 1 - Absolute Hot Garbage 2 - Sorta Lukewarm Garbage 3 - Strongly Flawed Design 4 - Some Pros, Lots Of Cons 5 - Acceptably Imperfect 6 - Good Enough to Buy On Sale 7 - Great, But Not Best-In-Class 8 - Fantastic, with Some Footnotes 9 - Shut Up And Take My Money 10 - Absolute Design Nirvana Price: $499 The SmartDesk Core from Autonomous may not have a ton of frills, but it has everything necessary to make it a fantastic standing desk.
Mophie Magnetic Vent Mount Review: Take Your Best Shot, Potholes
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 8/10 ?
Base Camp SF-999 Helmet Review: An Affordable, Smart, and Safe Option Original
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 7/10 ?
Lion Energy Summit Review: Reliable Power When You Need it Most Original
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 8/10 ?
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Review: It’s Mighty, But Sometimes Struggled
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 7/10 ?
Fiido E-Gravel (C22 Pro) Bike Review: A Sleek, Incredibly Smooth Ride
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 9/10 ?
Roborock Q Revo Review: An Autonomous Champion Original
Rating: 8/10 ? 1 - Absolute Hot Garbage 2 - Sorta Lukewarm Garbage 3 - Strongly Flawed Design 4 - Some Pros, Lots Of Cons 5 - Acceptably Imperfect 6 - Good Enough to Buy On Sale 7 - Great, But Not Best-In-Class 8 - Fantastic, with Some Footnotes 9 - Shut Up And Take My Money 10 - Absolute Design Nirvana Price: $900 The Roborock Q Revo is an exceptional robot vacuum with insane cleaning capabilities and a docking station that puts all other charging docks to shame.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Gen 8 Review: Big Gaming Fun in a Thoughtful Package Original
Rating: 8/10 ? 1 - Does not work 2 - Barely functional 3 - Severely lacking in most areas 4 - Functions, but has numerous issues 5 - Fine yet leaves a lot to be desired 6 - Good enough to buy on sale 7 - Great and worth purchasing 8 - Fantastic, approaching best-in-class 9 - Best-in-class 10 - Borderline perfection Price: Starting At $2,099.99 Lenovo is not the biggest name in gaming laptops and desktops, but its Legion brand has been quietly impressing since 2017.
Insta360 Flow Review: A Must-Have for Content Creators Original
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 9/10 ?
PNY EliteX-PRO Review: Zippy Performance in the Palm of Your Hand Original
Rating: 9/10 ? 1 - Does not work 2 - Barely functional 3 - Severely lacking in most areas 4 - Functions, but has numerous issues 5 - Fine yet leaves a lot to be desired 6 - Good enough to buy on sale 7 - Great and worth purchasing 8 - Fantastic, approaching best-in-class 9 - Best-in-class 10 - Borderline perfection Price: Starting At $47 The PNY EliteX-PRO SSD is a top-notch, portable storage device that lets you save and share media across a range of devices and OS types.
PNY Pro Elite V2 Review: A Fast Runner-Up to the PNY Flagship Original
Skip to content We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more. Rating: 8/10 ?
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