Nick Hastings

Former Staff Writer, Home Theater

Nick is a Portland native and a graduate of Saint Mary's College of California with a Bachelor's of Communication. Nick's writing background is in sports and gaming, and he maintains a contentious love-hate relationship with the Portland Trail Blazers. Other interests include: hip-hop music, street tacos, endlessly quoting 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'

How to convert WMA to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and Web

What the heck is that WMA file still doing on your PC? Here’s a guide on how to convert your Windows Media Audio files into easy-to-read MP3 tracks.

Guides         April 21, 2024

The best movies of 2017

Denis Villenueve directed our top movie for the second year in a row, crafting a sci-fi spectacular worthy of Best Movies of 2017 status.

Streaming Guides         April 25, 2023

Stay hidden in the elements with Master and Dynamic’s Greene Street headphones

Premium headphone manufacturer Master and Dynamic is bringing the trenches to the streets with camouflage colorways and an NYC pop-up shop.

News         April 25, 2023

Amazon’s ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ just got its first teaser trailer

John Krasinski is set to portray the fifth iteration of Jack Ryan in Amazon's upcoming series, for which we just received a teaser trailer.

News         April 25, 2023

The 10 best streaming war movies

We remember wars not just for their death tolls, but also for the bravery of those who fought in them and those who worked to end them. Here are 10 of the best war movies now streaming on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Everything Microsoft announced at E3 2016: Xbox One S, software updates, games

Microsoft delivered a huge press conference at E3, featuring two new consoles and several exclusive games. Check out our roundup of the top news from L.A.

News         April 25, 2023

How to watch Microsoft’s Xbox keynote at E3, and what to expect

E3 is still kind of a big deal, whether you're a game developer, publisher, or a mere fan. Here's how to watch Microsoft's press event and what to expect.

Guides         April 25, 2023

The best alternatives to Microsoft Office

Need an alternative to Word? Not to worry: The best alternatives to Microsoft Office offer robust features and compatibility. There's something for everyone.

Best Ofs         April 24, 2023

Headphone buying guide

In the market for a new pair of headphones? Trying to sift through thousands of brands and countless models can be overwhelming, not to mention exhausting. Try looking over our comprehensive buying guide to help you decide which features you need, and which ones you don't. It's time to go pro.

Guides         April 24, 2023

Huawei P9 vs. P10: Which stylish Huawei phone is best for you?

Huawei's P10 recently hit shelves internationally. But how does it stack up against its lauded predecessor, the P9? We put them head-to-head.

Android         June 15, 2022

Samsung Chromebook Pro vs. Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA: Which 2-in-1 is superior?

Samsung and Asus boast two of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market. Find out whether the Chromebook Pro or the Flip C302CA comes out on top.

Computing         June 15, 2022

DJI Spark vs Yuneec Breeze: Which portable drone should you buy?

In the world of portable drones, the DJI Spark vs Yuneec Breeze battle is one that's tough to call. Which one should you buy? Find out here

Guides         June 15, 2022

Shure’s two new pairs of noise-isolating earbuds leave cords in the past

Shure is embracing the Bluetooth revolution with two new pairs of earbuds, the SE112 and the SE215. See you later, wires!

News         June 15, 2022

Kids hijacking your Netflix account? Here’s how to delete items

Wondering how to fix your viewing recommendations after little Timmy watched Paw Patrol on your profile? Here's how to delete Netflix history.

Guides         May 5, 2022

How to use Movies Anywhere to consolidate all your digital films

A new collaborative program between major retailers and film studios could change movie ownership forever. Here's a quick guide on how to use Movies Anywhere to consolidate your digital film library, letting you watch your favorites over and over without taking up space with Blu-ray discs.

Streaming Guides         April 26, 2022

Looking to get your feet wet with some whitewater rafting? Here’s what you’ll need

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous. If you want to hit the rapids, check out our guide.

Guides         April 26, 2022

Celebrate 4/20 with the dopest weed gadgets in the observable universe

The 20th of April has arrived, and you know what that means. Stoners across the world are preparing to celebrate their favorite holiday by lighting up and getting lifted. For tech lovers, we picked out the coolest weed gadgets around, including vapes, grow boxes, and more.

Products         April 26, 2022

The funniest Amazon reviews

Online reviews are good for when you need to evaluate a product, but they can also be good for a laugh. Here are the funniest Amazon reviews.

Reviews         April 26, 2022

Philips EverPlay BT6900 review

The Philips EverPlay BT6900 boasts excellent wireless range and a classy aesthetic. How does it stack up against the competition? We review.

Reviews         April 21, 2022

Kindle Oasis vs. Nook Glowlight Plus: Let them fight

The Kindle Oasis and the Nook Glowlight Plus are both capable e-readers, but which is for you? Check out our comparison for a closer look at both models.

Mobile         April 21, 2022

Missing out on ‘Westworld?’ Watch online with these streaming services and devices

If you're like us, you love Westworld. Check out our guide to find out how to stream HBO's new hit show, with or without a cable subscription.

Streaming Guides         April 21, 2022

Immerse yourself in blending with the best handheld blenders

Looking to mix it up without opting for a device that's the size of your dishwasher? No matter your budget, we've got the perfect hand blender for you.

Products         April 21, 2022

Bragi Dash vs. Samsung Gear Icon X: Battle of the earbuds

These futuristic earbuds can play music, track your workout, and filter ambient sound in and out -- all without wires. But which smart 'buds are the best?

Health & Fitness         April 21, 2022

Keep your new Sony XZ Premium protected with these great cases

There's nothing more frustrating than dropping your new phone and cracking its screen. Here are the best cases for Sony's Xperia XZ Premium.

Android         April 21, 2022

Snapchat Spectacles: Everything you need to know

Snapchat's cool new sunglasses are taking the social media world by storm. Find out how they work, and how to get your hands on a pair.

Mobile         April 21, 2022

The best Skyrim mods

Made to enhance the experience, Skyrim mods bring out the very best in both the base game's potential and fans' imaginations. These are the best mods out today.

Guides         April 21, 2022

Not sure what to get for your Secret Santa exchange? Here’s 10 geeky gifts for under $25

Secret Santa exchanges can be a daunting task if you don't know your assigned recipient. Luckily, we've rounded up some great, tech-related gear under $25.

Products         April 21, 2022

Xbox Game Pass: What is it, and what games are included?

Xbox Game Pass offers gamers access to hundreds of titles for a low monthly fee. Here, we've curated a complete list of all available games.

News         March 1, 2022

The futuristic Vinci 2.0 headphones let you stream music, no phone required

The Vinci 2.0 headphones offer unprecedented value and a smorgasbord of useful features. The Kickstarter campaign launches November 15.

News         October 5, 2021

Soul Electronics' new Flex 2 earbuds let you work out your way

Need some workout buds? Soul Electronics' new Flex 2 wired earbuds can be worn in three different ways -- and they're sweatproof.

News         October 5, 2021

Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear headphone review

After the $60 EDC headphones proved quite popular, Massdrop and NuForce reconnected for the EDC3, boasting more drivers and better sound. We review.

Reviews         September 28, 2021

Civilization VI: All 42 leaders and cultures

Civilization VI is a dense game, but you can ease the learning curve by understanding all of the cultures and leaders. Here's every culture available in Civ VI.

Guides         September 16, 2021

Rock out with your block out: The coolest Minecraft creations of all time

The Minecraft community is notorious for building mind-blowing worlds and structures. We run down our favorite creations and adventure maps.

Guides         August 4, 2021

Ball ’til you fall (asleep) with ESPN Plus, a stand-alone streaming service

Sports buff? Get ready, because ESPN is getting an on-demand streaming service -- ESPN Plus -- which Disney plans on launching in early 2018.

News         August 3, 2021