Joe Fedewa, How-To Geek Journalist Profile

Articles

Gemini Can Finally Do One of Google Assistant’s Oldest Tricks

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on Android phones in 2025. Gemini lacked song identification features, causing frustration for users. Recent updates on Gemini now automatically launch the Google app's Song Search for song identification. One of the reasons why I haven’t been super excited about Gemini is how many things it lacks compared to the ancient Google Assistant. For a very long time, Assistant has been able to identify songs when you ask it to, which can be a real lifesaver.
Watch These 10 Episodes to Get Hooked on Seinfeld

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Seinfeld is undoubtedly one of the most iconic TV shows of all time, and I've watched every episode more times than I care to count. There are so many famous storylines and characters, often within a single episode. So, here are 10 episodes to get you started. As of June 2025, Seinfeld is available to stream on Netflix.
Mobile Payments Are About to Get Even Easier With NFC 15

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

NFC Release 15 quadruples the tap-to-pay range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, improving reliability. Expanded NFC range allows for faster transactions, improved connections, and less stress aligning phones. NFC Forum is aiming to allow smartphone terminals and multi-purpose taps for payments, rewards, and access control. Mobile payments are about to get a very nice upgrade, and if you're tired of fumbling with your phone at the checkout line, you're going to be happy about it.
Spotify’s Offline Playlists Just Got Better on Android

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Spotify's new feature allows users to download playlists to devices remotely, making it more convenient. Users can initiate downloads on tablets, laptops & smartwatches directly from the main Spotify app. Spotify now includes a "Manage Downloads" section for easier management of downloaded content. The ability to download playlists for offline listening is one of the best things about Spotify Premium. However, Android Spotify users have been slightly behind their iPhone counterparts.
Your Favorite Watch Face May Soon Be Pulled From the Play Store

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Google is transitioning to the Watch Face Format (WFF) for Wear OS to streamline smartwatch development. WFF is a declarative XML format without any executable code, leading to better battery life and less code optimization worries. Starting January 14, 2026, legacy Wear OS watch faces won't be available on the Play Store, emphasizing WFF adoption. If you have a favorite Wear OS watch face that you can't live without, it might be a good idea to double-check if it's going to stick around.
Jailbreaking My Kindle Was Easier Than I Expected

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

The word "jailbreak" might make you imagine typing elaborate strings of code and spending hours unzipping packages and moving files back and forth. That may be the case for some devices, but for an Amazon Kindle eReader, it's shockingly easy. I've thought about modifying my Kindle eReader for a long time. After all, I don't use any of Amazon's services on mine, so what do I have to lose? However, I assumed it would be a tedious process and never really looked into it.
Bose Finally Updates the Popular SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

The 2nd Gen Bose SoundLink Micro offers USB-C charging, app compatibility, and "lifelike sound reproduction" with Active EQ. Speaker pairing allows stereo playback with another SoundLink Micro or other current SoundLink speakers. Compact and durable, the updated speaker features IP67 rating, Bluetooth Core 5.4, and up to 12 hours of playback time. It’s been eight years since Bose launched the cute and portable SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker. Finally, the 2nd generation is here.
Android 16 & June Pixel Drop Are Here: Everything You Need to Know

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Android 16 rolls out with Live Updates, notification grouping, and improved hearing aid support. Tablet users get desktop windowing, custom shortcuts, and an enhanced taskbar in Android 16. The June Pixel Drop adds VIP contacts, AI sticker creation, and expanded accessibility features. Google hasn’t shied away from talking about Android 16, but after months of teasing, it’s finally stable and rolling out to devices.
Upgrade Your TV With 15% off the Google TV Streamer 4K

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

Experience stunning 4K streaming with Google TV Streamer. Enjoy seamless access to your favorite apps, shows, and movies with a powerful, easy-to-use interface. Elevate your entertainment with voice control, personalized recommendations, and smooth performance in vibrant Ultra HD. Expand Collapse If you're still hunting for the perfect streaming device to upgrade your smart TV experience, one of the best options is currently discounted.
AirPods Can Now Be a Camera Remote for Your iPhone

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Joe Fedewa

AirPods can now be used as a remote control for iPhone cameras, perfect for selfies or capturing moments out of reach. The functionality extends to video recording and works with third-party camera apps, ideal for content creators or vloggers. AirPods will soon capture studio-quality sound for voice-overs or interviews, transforming them into a handy creation tool.