
Phil Nickinson
Phil is the father of two beautiful girls and is the Dad behind Modern Dad. Before that he spent seven years at the helm of Android Central. Before that he spent a decade in a newsroom of a two-time Pulitzer Prize-finalist newspaper. Before that — well, we don't talk much about those days. Subscribe to the Modern Dad newsletter!
Latest articles by Phil Nickinson

Should you buy or rent a cable modem?
By Phil Nickinson last updated
Depends. Do you like saving money?

Ring adds Beams to its 'Ring of Security' as Ring Alarm set to ship this spring
By Phil Nickinson published
New cameras and lights are coming, and the delayed security system gets a new name and a new launch date.

What the Harman Kardon Invoke can do that Amazon Echo can't
By Phil Nickinson published
This will be a short list.

Should a Windows enthusiast pick Invoke over an Amazon Echo?
By Phil Nickinson published
So you're a Windows gal. (Or guy.) Do you really have to get an HK Invoke instead of an Amazon Echo? Well, that depends.

Chuwi HiBox mini PC review: Dual-boot Windows and Android done (very) poorly
By Phil Nickinson last updated
There's nothing like a good dual-booting system ... but Chuwi's HiBox Mini PC is, unfortunately, not a good dual-booting system.

Why now's the time to finally take the VPN plunge
By Phil Nickinson last updated
A good VPN isn't as complicated as it used to be, but it's still a pretty big step for a 'regular' user to take.

Modern Dad's favorite Father's Day tech!
By Phil Nickinson last updated
You don't have to think about it too hard. Any Dad (any person) would love to have any of these great tech-oriented gift ideas.

Netatmo Weather Station is long on looks — and longer on data
By Phil Nickinson published
It was time to update my home weather station from something functional but ugly to something decidedly more modern. Netatmo fits that bill nicely. It even has a Windows phone app.

With Cortana's Invoke speaker finally on the way, Amazon is dangerously close to lapping the field
By Phil Nickinson published
Alexa has gained the ability to make voice calls, and its 'Echo Show' will bolster the living room. So will there be any room left for a smart speaker from Microsoft? Maybe. In the meantime, we look at Amazon's latest.

Steel HR brings brains, brawn and battery to fitness smartwatches
By Phil Nickinson published
More than a fitness tracker but not-quite-a-smartwatch, the Steel HR fits a sweet spot for me during my daily sweat sessions.

Aukey WatchTower review: Affordable connected security done (mostly) right
By Phil Nickinson published
Aukey is a longtime seller of, well, all things electronic. Turns out that means IP cameras and an integrated security system — at a price that doesn't break the bank.

You can now search for all the things in Windows Central Android app!
By Phil Nickinson published
Our Android apps just got a whole lot better — and we're not done yet!

First look at HTC Vive consumer version!
By Phil Nickinson published
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the HTC Vive that you'll be able to disappear into in short order. Welcome to our first look at the commercial version.

CES 2016 Windows Podcast Spectacular!
By Phil Nickinson published
There's no other way to put it: Windows was all over the place at this year's CES show in Las Vegas. And we've got a podcast wrapping it all up.

Qualcomm announces Quick Charge 3.0 — from 0 to 80 percent in 35 minutes
By Phil Nickinson published

Windows Central Android app updated for login bugfix
By Phil Nickinson published
A quick heads up for those of you out there who use the Android app for Windows Central. We've pushed out a fix for a nasty login bug that was, well, keeping you from being able to log in.

Adobe gets its docs ducks in a row with Document Cloud
By Phil Nickinson published
Acrobat DC apps for Android and iOS (and with easy syncing for Windows access)

Lenovo's Pocket Projector is an affordable way to pump videos to your wall (or ceiling)
By Phil Nickinson published
Whether it's in the kids' play room or the boss' boardroom, the Lenovo Pocket Projector is a quick, easy and affordable way to up-size videos for group viewing.

Microsoft announces new SDKs for Windows, Android and iOS, teams up with IFTTT and others
By Phil Nickinson published
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.