Matthew Hughes
How-To Geek
United Kingdom
Contact Matthew
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
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Past articles by Matthew:
An Open Alternative to Intel and ARM: What is RISC-V?
If you want to build an open-source computer, you can—if you’re talking about software. The processor under the hood, however, is proprietary. RISC-V is an open-source processor design that’s rapidly gaining traction and promises to change the computing landscape. → Read More
What Is Edge Computing, and Why Does It Matter?
THINK A/Shutterstock Cloud computing is a bigger deal than most people realize. Its influence isn’t just felt in the business world, where it’s displaced previous on-premises servers with nimbler, off-site alternatives. Even the layperson shuffles bits to the ethereal data center in the sky, thanks to services like Google Photos and Netflix. But is another revolution afoot? We’re talking about… → Read More
Why an IR Blaster Is Still Useful on Phones in 2020
There’s a chance (albeit, an ever-decreasing one) that your phone comes with an IR blaster. These allow your phone to communicate with everyday devices in your home, like TVs and DVRs, using invisible bursts of electromagnetic radiation. → Read More
Why I Still Use an Old PowerPC Mac in 2020
Last month, I bought myself a “new” Mac, and it only cost me $50. How is this possible, when the cheapest Apple computer (the Mac Mini) costs $799, or 16 times what I paid? → Read More
Why People Still Buy Feature Phones in 2020
The smartphone in your pocket can perform millions of calculations per second, play visually stunning 3D games, access information worldwide, and maybe even take DSLR-quality photos. It’s easy to take that for granted—particularly when you consider the cell phone’s humble beginnings. → Read More
Meet Celia, Huawei’s Google Assistant Replacement
Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby, Cortana, Alexa, and now, Celia. Yes, there’s yet another voice assistant on the market thanks to Huawei. But what sets Celia apart from the competition, and what does it mean for the wider voice-assistant ecosystem? → Read More
Do Hackers Really Battle in Real Time?
Everyone knows that hacker-attack scene from NCIS. Working in their dimly lit forensics lab, Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) have to fend off a cybercriminal, hell-bent on stealing information about their investigation. → Read More
Can Law Enforcement Really Track Someone Down with an IP Address?
The internet isn’t anonymous. Wherever you go, you leave breadcrumbs about who you really are. Some of these are bigger than others, but the biggest is your IP address. Armed with this, it isn’t difficult for law enforcement to discover your identity. → Read More
Can Hackers Really “Bounce” Their Signal All Over the World?
TV shows and films rarely represent hackers accurately. We’re all familiar with the old trope of the hoodie-clad digital criminal frantically typing into a black terminal before triumphantly whispering, “We’re in.” → Read More
It’s the end of the flagship smartphone as we know it (and I feel fine)
Covid-19 has impacted industries of all shapes and sizes. Smartphone manufacturers are no exception, with sales forecast to drop more than 13%. → Read More
Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered – more like Modern Borefare
Call of Duty is not really known for its story, so it is a bit surprising to see Modern Warfare 2 Remastered release without multiplayer. → Read More
Review: The VNYL Cam – a solid instant camera, if not for the whole lockdown thing going on right now
The VNYL Cam boasts an eye-popping neon design, but is held back by its price. Read our full review of the instant camera here. → Read More
Is It Really Worth Tracking Your Sleep?
According to analyst house Gartner, consumers are expected to buy 86 million smartwatches in 2020. It’s a market worth $23 billion globally. Beyond fitness and sports, a major factor prompting people to buy these stylish wrist-worn computers is the ability to monitor sleep. → Read More
Will the EU Make Apple Get Rid of Lightning on the iPhone?
Earlier this year, after an almost decade-long period of anguish, the European Parliament approved binding plans for a Europe-wide charging standard. But what does this actually mean? Well, it’s complicated—but it could have effects far beyond Europe. → Read More
How developers will work in 2020
Software development is perpetually in a state of flux. Coders are constantly fighting a battle to keep their skills relevant. Each year brings new methodologies, frameworks, and languages to learn. Within the context of a highly-complex and rapidly changing industry, it’s important to find out which skills, tools, and trends are worthy of your time. […] → Read More
What is the Brave Browser, and How Does It Compare to Chrome?
There are more competing web browsers than ever, with many serving different niches. One example is Brave, which has an unapologetic focus on user privacy and comes with a radical reimagining of how online advertising ought to work. → Read More
Chinese netizens are protesting Notepad++ over its support for Uighurs
First the NBA. Now this. → Read More
Motorola unveils its third-generation Moto 360 smartwatch
Motorola Mobility today announced its third-generation Moto 360 smartwatch. Pre-orders for the wearable will open later next month, with units shipping in time for Christmas. As is the case with previous Moto 360 smartwatches, this version is targeted at people who need a general-purpose device. Something that looks good, runs apps, and can play media. […] → Read More
How Safe Are Public Charging Stations?
These days, airports, fast-food restaurants, and even buses have USB charging stations. But are these public ports safe? If you use one, could your phone or tablet be hacked? We checked it out! → Read More
Hackers are using a bug in PHP7 to remotely hijack web servers
Things are going to get worse before they get better. → Read More