Review Geek - What Is Plex and How Does It Work?

August 7, 2023

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at Review Geek, as we get ready to transform this newsletter into the brand-spanking new How-To Geek Reviews newsletter. Before the change, we’re going to use the next week to highlight some of our (and your) favorite stories from the past few years. And we’re kicking it off with an explainer on Plex.

In a world of seemingly unlimited streaming services, Plex stands apart by letting you stream your own content over the web. But how exactly does it work? Check out our top story to find out.

Other Highlights:

• We think you need to start stocking up on power banks, like, yesterday!
• Upgrade your desk with a fancy felt pad you can make yourself.
• Got leftover LEGO lying around? Find out where to sell it instead.
• … and more!

-Dan

P.S. Don’t forget to add “newsletter@howtogeek.com” to your contact list or address book, so you don’t miss the next iteration of this newsletter when it arrives.

The days of cheap streaming are long gone. Services like Netflix are prohibitively expensive and offer much smaller libraries than they did just a few years ago. A personal collection of DVDs and Blu-Ray discs can alleviate this problem, but if you want to stream the media you own, you need a service like Plex. Read More »

If you're in the market for a watch that looks expensive, but have a limited budget, then you should check out this collection of watches from Tapferkeit. For as low as $90, you can discover a timeless new look to take any outfit to the next level with these modern, affordable watches. Check them out >>

Anyone who has bought a LEGO set knows these bricks can be worth their weight in gold. As a result, some LEGO fans want to turn their unwanted sets and parts into cash. In case you’re one of them, we’ll explain how to sell your LEGO bricks and sets so that you can get fair payment for your treasures. Read More »

Traeger is synonymous with wood pellet grilling. But instead of getting bogged down with prior expectations, its new propane-fueled Flatrock flat-top grill attempts to add a missing piece to its cooking arsenal. Read More »

Logitech is the king of professional keyboards, and the super-slim MX Keys is widely regarded as one of its greatest creations. Now, four years after the MX Keys’ initial launch, Logitech is wheeling out a new keyboard called the MX Keys S—a straightforward upgrade that addresses new trends and old complaints. Read More »

It’s easy to feel alone when you’re building the latest LEGO set by yourself, but there is a whole community of adult LEGO fans. A quick visit to YouTube proves this. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the volume of LEGO-focused content creators, we’re here to help by sharing our favorite LEGO channels on YouTube. Read More »

If you’ve never tried a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) what are you waiting for? They are a fun way to get out on the water during the warm summer months, and it’s a great full-body workout. Stand-Up Paddleboards are often too large to fit in some garages, not to mention expensive. That’s why we like this inflatable SUP combo pack on Amazon.

This Paddleboard kit features a 6-inch non-slip deck with a neat wood-grain pattern and comes with everything you need to start a new hobby. I’m talking about a carry case, paddle, pump, a waterproof bag for your phone, a leash so it won’t float away when you inevitably fall off, and the paddle floats too. Throw everything in the bag, hit the lake, and be ready to go minutes after walking down to the beach or river. Give a SUP a try today!

One of the big selling points of Plex Pass is offline streaming. Like Netflix or Hulu, Plex allows you to download movies, shows, or music directly to a mobile device—a killer feature for plane rides, road trips, or camping trips. But Plex’s offline downloads feature is kinda broken. Read More »

Data breaches can be incredibly distressing, depending on the scale and type of data involved. A breach can leak personal data such as your email address, credit card details, social security number (SSN), driver’s license, or health information. Irrespective of the type of data involved, its scale, or its severity, a data breach can leave you confused about what to do next. Read More »

Buying a new vehicle is always exciting, especially when it’s a new electric car. We all love not having to stop and fill up with expensive gasoline. However, you can’t just buy an EV and call it a day, as there are other things and expenses you’ll want to consider. Read More »

We’ve all made purchases we regret, especially when it comes to tech. But there is one object that’s pretty cheap, practical, and will more than prove its worth over its life. That’s the humble power bank. 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 »

When it comes to maps and navigation, you probably want something that gets you from point A to B as quickly as possible and avoids traffic, police, or accidents. And while there are many options available, I switched from Google Maps to Waze, and I’m not going back. Read More »

Last year’s Google Pixel 6 managed to offer a flagship experience for just $600. And the new Pixel 7 takes things a step further—it retains the $600 price tag, but it adds a ton of new features and refinements, including an upgrade to Google’s world-class camera technology. It’s a no-brainer. Read More »