Tim Brookes

Brisbane

Freelance Writer at How-To Geek

Freelance Writer at Zapier

I write words on the internet for @howtogeek and @Zapier. Past @MUO_official. He/Him.

Articles

Some People Think the Xbox Is Dead but Here’s Why I’m Still Loving Mine

2 days ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Microsoft has been shifting focus to reach larger user bases with Xbox games on rival platforms has led to some doom and gloom from critics and owners alike. Game Pass persists as a major benefit for Xbox, providing a variety of games, day one big exclusives, and excellent value. The next Xbox consoles won't be anything like those we've seen in the past, with the possibility of collaborations with other hardware manufacturers and third-party storefronts.
These Free iPhone Apps Are Basically Digital Fidget Toys

2 days ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Your smartphone might be the most distracting device that you own. It’s constantly vying for your attention, and always there whenever you feel the urge to doomscroll. It’s easy to spend hours every day fidgeting with your phone. So what if this time could be more productive, creative, and less anxiety-inducing?
I Love My AirPods, but I'm Not Sure I'll Buy Another Pair

4 days ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

My AirPods have been giving me issues after five years of heavy use including buzzing, power drain, microphone problems, and disappointing ANC. The AirPods design feels flawed and the earbuds don't stay in place without aftermarket accessories, not to mention the disposable nature of the earbud design. I'll be waiting for the AirPods Pro 3 with expected improvements to ANC, sound quality, and new features like health monitoring before I commit to a new pair.
7 Accessories You Need for a More Comfortable Gaming Setup

5 days ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

If playing games is something you do to relax, shouldn’t it leave you feeling relaxed? Not only are comfortable accessories an investment in your free time, but they could also be an investment in your health (yes, really). Spend a bit of money on the right things and stop putting up with back pain, wrist pain, hand cramps, and other avoidable ailments. 7 A Good Chair If you’re a PC gamer, you probably spend most of your time playing games at a desk.
How to Use Your Steam Deck as a Linux PC

6 days ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Steam Deck can function as more than a gaming device, doubling as a PC with extensive customization and third-party tweaks. Switch between Game Mode and Desktop Mode to get PC functionality for web browsing, office tasks, and more complex software. Peripherals like a mouse and keyboard, along with a USB-C hub, provide a more productive and comfortable desktop-like experience. Your Steam Deck can do more than just play games.
This Free Open-Source Firewall App Is a Must-Have for All Mac Users

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Free Mac app LuLu allows you to control which apps can access the internet, adding an extra layer of security. LuLu's open-source approach provides a transparent approach to app security, and it even plays nicely with Apple's built-in firewall. You can easily create your own rules, modify existing rules, and use LuLu's built-in network monitor to see which apps are communicating with the broader internet.
How to Choose the Right Memory Card for Your Nintendo Switch 2

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards due to higher bandwidth requirements. Buy from reputable sources to avoid scams and ensure the cards meet the standards, but don't worry about "official" Nintendo branded cards. Remember: Switch 1 memory cards won't work with Switch 2, even for playing older games.
Why Smart Kitchen Gadgets Aren’t Always Better Than Dumb Alternatives

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Many "smart" kitchen gadgets lack meaningful improvements and are not worth the extra cost. The best coffee is brewed using inexpensive, basic tools and good technique which even pricey machines struggle to match. Some smart gadgets are perfectly at home in your kitchen, including smart lighting, speakers with voice assistants, and smart plugs and outlets. The “smart” prefix can be slapped on just about any product you can think of, whether it’s warranted or not.
How I Got My Turntable to Play Wirelessly Over AirPlay to a HomePod

1 week ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Adding AirPlay functionality to a turntable is possible, though neither solution I landed on was as elegant as using a dedicated stereo amplifier. You'll need a turntable with a USB output, or an interface to convert your turntable's output to USB for this to work. Solutions involve using an iPhone and an app like AirChord 2, or a Mac and an app like Airfoil.
Epic Games Store on Android Proves That the iPhone Needs Third-Party Stores

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Tim Brookes

Apple's App Store has basically no competition, which is bad for consumers both in terms of innovation and pricing. On Android, the Epic Games Store offers a variety of games not found on Google Play Store. Alternative marketplaces go far beyond games, offering a way for developers of all apps to circumvent some of Apple's more restrictive App Store guidelines. Not satisfied with giving Steam a run for its money, Epic Games has now set its sights on the Android ecosystem.