Phil Nickinson
Section Editor, Audio/Video
Phil spent the 2000s making newspapers with the Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal, the 2010s with Android Central and then the personality behind Modern Dad, and is currently an editor with Digital Trends. Phil’s online work has taken him all over the United States, as well as Europe and Asia.
When he’s not writing, editing, or shooting video, Phil serves as president of the Pensacola Youth Soccer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has worked on multiple local political campaigns and is a part-time photographer and videographer. He's also a candidate for Pensacola City Council, District 1.
Phil is a native of Pensacola, where he resides with his wife, daughters and a dog named Max.
Find Phil on Mastodon, or on Threads.
Tubi is now available on Apple Vision Pro
The biggest free streaming service is now available on Apple's VR headset.
Sonos CEO offers software mea culpa: ‘We know we have work to do’
More than two months after a major app revamp that went horribly wrong, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence has issued an apology to the company's customers.
‘A much better version of Spotify’ is coming, CEO says
Spotify has been teasing a high-resolution audio offering since early 2021 — and CEO Daniel Ek just reconfirmed that it's still on the way. Eventually.
I’ve used the new Prime Video app — you’re gonna want this ASAP
Users have been clamoring for an updated Prime Video app, and Amazon has delivered with a rewrite and redesign from the ground up.
This slanted surfboard just may be Google’s next TV streamer
We're fully expecting a follow-up to the veteran Chromecast With Google TV at an event in August — and this weird-looking thing could be it.
The one (small) thing I’d change about the Sonos Ace headphones
The Sonos Ace headphones are really good, even though the case takes up a decent amount of space. Here's one way Sonos could make it better, though.
I’d pay even more for a streaming service without political ads
Streaming services keep getting more expensive. But imagine if you could pay more to get rid of all the political ads this time of year.
Minecraft-themed Beats Solo 4 is perfect for that Creeper in your life
Beats by Dre has teamed up with Minecraft for a Creeper-themed set of Beats Solo 4 headphones — and we already have a pair.
The only way I’d watch live TV with an antenna is on sale this week
The fourth-generation Tablo DVR makes watching over-the-air TV so much better on multiple devices.
Sling TV begins some limited streaming in 4K resolution
Sling TV will show a good bit of sports in 4K resolution — if you have the right plan, the right hardware, and live in the right city.
This $3 app made my Sonos system usable again
The official Sonos app is still a hot mess. SonoPhone isn't a perfect replacement, but it definitely gets the job done.
Now that the Skydance deal is (nearly) done, what happens to Paramount+?
As a company, Paramount is (probably) about to go through some major changes. But execs say that the Paramount+ streaming service isn't going anywhere.
Apple TV’s InSight feature is ready to take on Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray
The TV app on Apple TV is getting a new feature that easily shows the character and actor on the screen at any given time, just like Prime Video's X-Ray.
Maybe I had the Sonos Ace headphones all wrong
You don't actually need to already own the wireless speakers to enjoy the Sonos Ace headphones — and maybe that's exactly how Sonos wants it.
Beats Pill tips and tricks
The Beats Pill is a brilliantly simple Bluetooth speaker, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve. If it had sleeves, that is. It's a speaker. Not a person.
MLS Season Pass drops price again, to $49 for the rest of the season
Apple today announced that it's reduced the cost of a subscription to MLS Season Pass to $49 for the rest of the 2024 season.
What is Paramount+? Price, plans, and what you can watch
Paramount Plus has risen to the heights of streamers like Netflix and Hulu. But how much does it cost, and what kinds of content is available? Let’s find out!
What color Beats Pill should you get?
Ultimately what color Beats Pill you go for won't affect the sound. But it'll definitely affect the way you look at it. Choose wisely.
The 10-second rule: How Amazon Prime Video tries to keep live sports as live as possible
Streaming live sports is complicated. But when you're streaming an exclusive NFL game, the stakes are even higher.
AI-powered Al Michaels will provide daily recaps from the Paris Olympics
The legendary broadcaster will be doing daily recaps of the Paris Olympics. Or, rather, an AI-generated version of his voice will be.
Beats Pill vs. Bose SoundLink Max: It’s a numbers game
Two Bluetooth speakers, both alike in stature. But one of these things is not like the other when it comes to the Bose SoundLink Max and new Beats Pill.
The new Beats Pill might replace Sonos on my back porch
They're less expensive, portable — and are built to survive the elements. And that's why the new Beats Pill will be my pick for new outdoor stereo speakers.
The Beats Pill is back, baby!
The Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker lives again, with all the internal tech you'd expect, and a price that might surprise you.
Another year, another price increase for Paramount+
Paramount+ is increasing its subscription rates by as much as $2 a month for one tier in its second rate hike in about a year.
Best streaming devices for 2024: Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and more
Your TV probably already has all the apps you need to stream all your shows and movies. But you need not settle. Here are the best streaming devices for 2024.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses triple their recording time
If a mere 60 seconds of video recording just isn't enough, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses now let you capture up to 3 minutes of content at a time.
Apple’s MLS Season Pass adds Catch Up feature for key plays
Apple now lets you catch up on major plays in MLS matches on MLS Season Pass with the aptly named Catch Up feature.
The new Beats Pill is (probably) coming June 25
LeBron James is back in another teaser for what almost certainly is a new Beats Pill speaker. And this time he's brought a date.
How to use noise cancellation in just one AirPods Pro
AIrPods typically come in pairs since you have two ears. But it's also possible to use noise cancellation with the AirPods Pro in a single earbud.
Why is Apple Intelligence not on Apple TV?
It's likely a matter of when Apple Intelligence comes to Apple TV — not whether it will come to the platform.
Apple apes a major Amazon Prime Video feature in tvOS 18
You'll soon be able to get live info on actors, characters, and music in movies and series on Apple TV+ with the tvOS 18 update. Yep, it's just like Amazon's X-Ray feature.