Brent Dirks-Senior Author

Brent Dirks

Senior Author

March, 2017
BA in journalism from Texas Tech University
Smart Home, Apple, Apple Watch
  • 594
    articles
  • 184
    News
  • 221
    Features
  • 39
    Lists
  • 95
    Guides
  • 55
    Reviews

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About Brent Dirks

Born and raised in sunny west Texas, Brent graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in journalism. He's been writing about technology for more than a decade and enjoys everything smart home, the Apple ecosystem, accessories to make the most of technology, and security. He also writes for the popular Apple app-focused site AppAdvice.

He's been using Apple products since he started playing Oregon Trail on the Apple IIe in elementary school. Brent was previously the Smart Home Section Editor at MUO.

Latest

map with large google maps icon
Google Maps Might Have Deleted Your Location History, With a Small Chance of Recovery

The feature provides a look the routes and locations you've visited.

1
Apple AirPods Max in blue.
Apple Updating the AirPods Max Means They Might Actually Be Worth Buying

The new features arrive next month along with new Apple software.

spotify on a smartphone screen with a laptop and earphones in the background
The Latest Spotify Playlist Makes It Easier to Find Concerts Near You

It will highlight artists with upcoming concerts nearby.

Atari 2600 my play watch.
This New Watch From Atari Isn’t Very Smart but Is Full of Retro Gaming Fun

Play classics like Pong and Super Breakout on your wrist.

The Amazon Echo Show on a table.
Everything You Say to Alexa Will Be Sent to Amazon Starting Next Week

Previously, some devices could process Alexa requests locally.

The Sony UBP-X700 DVD player.
It's 2025, and This Company Just Launched a Brand New Blu-ray Player

There's a new way to play old-school discs.

Google Gemini personalization.
Gemini Can Now Connect With Your Google Search History to Better Personalize Results

The Deep Research feature is now also free for all users.

a chromecast device plugged into a tv
Google Confirms Issues With Older Chromecasts and Cautions Against Making This Mistake

There is so far no fix to the casting problems.

pocket-casts-desktop-client-mac
One of the Best Podcast Apps Is Now Free to Use on Desktop

This fan-favorite app is now free, no matter where you listen.

The Shazam logo on a blue background.
Shazam on iPhone Can Now Sync All ID'd Music to Spotify or Apple Music, but You Need to Do This

All recognized music will now appear in a playlist to view later.

1Password showing location-based items.
This Popular Password Manager Is Getting Smarter With Location-Based Suggestions

You can assign a location to a specific item.

youtube logo on smartphone screen
YouTube's Latest Plan Lets You Ditch the Ads for Even Less Money

The new tier is just $7.99 monthly.

New iPhone case and Apple Watch band colors.
Apple's New Spring-Inspired iPhone Case Colors Are a Delight

See all the new colors introduced in Apple's spring refresh.

The iPad Air with m3 chip.
Apple Unveils Two New iPad Models With Faster Chips and Not Much Else

The base iPad is lacking support for a major feature.

gemini ai logo
It's Now Even Easier to Use Google Gemini on Your iPhone

You can access the AI features with an iPhone lock screen widget.

autonomous ai agent robot sitting in call center.
This Browser Will Soon Feature an AI Agent That Can Accomplish Tasks for You

Ai can do more than just answer your questions.

The Sonos Arc Ultra on a TV stand.
Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Amazing Dolby Atmos and More

The massive soundbar delivers with top-notch sound.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats pro 2 next to each other.
Why I’m Keeping My AirPods Pro 2 After Trying Out the Powerbeats Pro 2

There are multiple reasons.

Apple Logo on building set against trees.
Apple's App Store Will Soon Gets Lots of Changes to Better Protect Children

All of the changes will be available this year.

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hbo max logo on tv in well lit living room
Some Max Subscribers Will Get to Keep This Great Perk for Free

But there's bad news if you're an ad-supported tier subscriber.