Review Geek - Why Every Photo You Take Is "Fake"

March 16, 2023

Chances are, every person reading this newsletter owns at least one camera. Maybe not a dedicated camera, but I’ll wager your phone serves as the camera you use most of the time. Recently Samsung came under fire for “faking” Moon pictures with its latest phones. You can zoom into the Moon with a Samsung phone and take a good picture of it! Except, maybe not? Someone tested taking a picture of a blurry picture of a moon, and Samsung seemed to add details to the image that didn’t exist in the original copy. It’s fake! So some say.

And that’s where today’s top story comes in—because, like it or not, every single picture you take with your phone (and even the pictures you take with a DSLR and a point-and-shoot) is realistically fake. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a good thing. Check out the top story to learn more.

Other highlights:

• Michael looked at the Peloton guide, the company’s strength training camera program that doesn’t require a bike, and came away … somewhat impressed?
• Sad times. T-Mobile is buying Mint Mobile. Good times; the good Ryan Reynolds commercials aren’t dead yet.
• Uh oh. A hacker group claims it stole data from security company Ring (owned by Amazon) and will release what it took if Amazon doesn’t pay a ransom.
• … and more!

-Josh

Artificial intelligence has invaded your smartphone camera with a singular goal—to ruin your photos and fill your head with lies! At least, that’s the idea you might see in some headlines. Smartphone camera technology is advancing rapidly, leading to some confusion about what’s “real” and “fake.” Read More »

This book unpacks Microsoft’s bestselling project management platform and walks you through every important feature, step-by-step, until you’re ready to take on virtually any project, no matter the size. By the end of this book, you’ll learn everything you need to know about managing a project in Microsoft’s iconic software. Best of all, it's completely free!
Download your copy today to get started.

We often need a boost to overcome life’s hurdles. Consider the ENGWE EP-2 Pro Foldable Ebike the cyclist’s version of that. The 7-speed 960W bike keeps you moving even when you’re close to hitting the proverbial wall, but it’s not without minor flaws during its rocky assembly. Read More »

April 18, 2023 is fast approaching — have you filed your taxes yet? If you’re putting off this necessary evil due to cost, you might be surprised to learn there’s free filing software available online. Here are the top six programs to help you tackle your taxes. Read More »

It’s about time! After years of offering strength training courses, Peloton has its very own muscle-targeted hardware in the form of the Peloton Guide. Easy to set up and very intuitive, after a little tweaking, you’ll be lifting dumbbells like a pro in no time. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

If you use your PlayStation 5 as a set-top box, you know the main of using the PS controller as a TV remote. You can make the experience a lot easier by getting the PlayStation Media Remote. This remote control looks and functions exactly like a conventional remote control and allows you to use your gaming system to watch TV shows, Movies, and other online content more easily and naturally than relying on your gaming controller.

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

Car phone mounts with suction cups or adhesive pads are clunky and messy, and vent mounts aren’t any better. If you’re looking for a sturdy phone mount for your car, one with optional wireless charging, MagSafe, and no fuss, look no further than the new Peak Design Car Vent Mount. Read More »

In February, we learned that Amazon is getting ready to deploy over 3,000 “Project Kuiper” broadband satellites into orbit. The move will offer internet to millions, similar to SpaceX’s Starlink. The company is giving us our first look at three antennas that’ll use the network. Read More »

Ring, the Amazon-owned security camera company, is no stranger to security problems. Unfortunately, things could be about to get worse as a big ransomware group claims it breached Ring’s systems and is now threatening to release all the data. Read More »

The two most sarcastic carriers are joining forces. In a surprise video announcement, Ryan Reynolds says that Mint Mobile will be acquired by T-Mobile. He was joined by T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert to celebrate the $1.3 billion deal, and naturally, the pair cracked a few jokes. Read More »

While BMW first confirmed a new electric 5-Series in 2020, things are finally starting to come together. Today, the company released a teaser image ahead of the all-new BMW i5 EV arriving later this year. Read More »

The latest Windows 11 Insider update lets iPhone owners call or text from their PC. Before now, this handy feature was exclusive to Mac computers. But don’t get too hyped, as Microsoft’s implementation of iMessage isn’t perfect. Read More »

For many people, cleaning is a necessary evil. It takes a lot of time to tidy up our homes, so it’s not surprising that we’re drawn to tips, tricks, and hacks that promise to make the chore easier. However, a lot of this advice is bogus and can actually lead to more problems later on. Read More »

Bluetooth trackers like AirTags and Galaxy SmartTags are primarily intended to be used with small items that are easy to lose, like keys or bags, but they are incredibly useful for something much larger: your car. Read More »

When it comes to security keys, it’s important to find ones that work with various hardware, apps, and services. One of the best security keys on the market, the Yubico YubiKey 5Ci, checks all the boxes when it comes to protecting your data, and here are the many reasons why. Read More »

You might think trackball mice are a thing of the past, but they’re actually a great alternative to traditional point-and-click options. If you’re in the market for one, you’re in luck because this week, How-To Geek is giving away a Kensington SlimBlade Pro TrackBall! Read More »

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to car washes, then you want to know a few basics before tackling the job head-on. However, you don’t want to damage your car in the process of taking care of it, and there’s one surprising way you might be doing just that. Read More »

Building a PC involves so much decision-making that it can be exhausting. After deciding on the components you need to make your dream build, it’s time to find a PC case that will house everything and keep your technology from overheating. Read More »

Looking for a Plex alternative for local and remote media streaming? Though Plex enjoys excellent support on a wide range of devices, it’s far from the last word in media streaming. Here are some alternatives you might want to try. Read More »

There are some foods you want to have pop in the microwave—like a bag of popcorn. But no one wants to open the door to food-splattered walls. So what causes some foods to pop in the microwave? Read More »