Jack Mitchell-Contributor

Jack Mitchell

Contributor

June, 2024
Entertainment, Technology, Streaming Music
  • 153
    articles
  • 118
    Features
  • 27
    Lists
  • 8
    Guides

About Jack Mitchell

Jack has been a contributing author at MakeUseOf since June 2024, specializing in entertainment and its associated technology. He is passionate about creating engaging content that inspires and informs, having published articles and reviews in several reputable online resources since 2010, including SlashGear, BestReviews, and Ezvid Wiki.

Jack's work has taken him far and wide, from South America to Europe, South Asia, and the Far East, and his experiences continue to influence his writing. As a graduate with a BA in music technology, he is particularly interested in new developments in this field, including music hardware, music creation software, and music streaming services.

When he’s not researching and trying out the latest software and devices, Jack enjoys riding his motorcycles to far-flung destinations, playing guitar, and creating music and vlogs using Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro on Mac.

Latest

Close up shot of an HDMI connector showing the pins
I found out I'd been listening to fake Dolby Atmos for a year — the fix was a different HDMI port

I assumed all HDMI ports were created equal, but my Dolby Atmos setup was held back by a simple connectivity mistake.

14
A Google Pixel 5 and a Google Nest Hub.
I replaced my smart speaker with an old Android phone and it does so much more

Repurposing my old tech resulted in a smarter, more flexible alternative.

1
Dreame soundbar on a stand at CES 2026.
5 buried settings in your TV that are ruining your sound

Are your sound enhancement, output format, and virtualizer settings working for you, or against you?

Fire TV Stick and remote on a desk.
I replaced my entire streaming setup with a $30 device and free apps

Embracing a simpler streaming setup can save you money and reduce subscription fatigue without sacrificing high-quality entertainment.

4
Apple Maps open on an iPhone
I changed these hidden Google Maps settings and my commute feels completely different

Learn how a few little-known features, like in-app media controls, offline maps, and augmented reality, can greatly improve daily navigation.

1
The Samsung TV Plus icon in a TV menu.
I found a hidden live TV section on my smart TV that I'd been missing for years

Access a world of free movies, shows, and live TV channels on your smart TV, without the need for subscriptions or additional devices.

hand on top of sennheiser ambeo soundbar mini.
Your soundbar sounds worse than it should because of Bluetooth

Despite Bluetooth's convenience, it may be the weak link in your soundbar setup, and making a simple change can transform your audio experience.

Soundpeats and Sennheiser headphones.
I stopped reaching for my $200 headphones after testing $20 earbuds

Don't write off cheap headphones until you've weighed the pros and cons.

Plex Live TV channels on a desktop screen.
I set up Plex for my local files and didn't realize it came with free streaming built right in

I somehow overlooked a useful feature within Plex that had been right under my nose for months.

2
A soundbar used as a desktop speaker.
Your soundbar is wasting its potential as just a TV speaker

Unlock your soundbar's potential and maximize its value as a versatile tool for music, podcasts, relaxation, and more.

1
Plex server and device showing the same content.
I changed 3 settings in Plex and my streams immediately stopped buffering

Adjusting a few default settings can transform your Plex experience, by making streaming smoother and more reliable.

1
The Plex interface on a TV screen.
I tried living on free streaming channels for a month and found some real gems

When streaming subscriptions are out of reach, these free channels offer a treasure trove of nostalgia and modern entertainment.

2
Gmail on desktop with a clean inbox.
My inbox got much cleaner after I set up these 4 Gmail automations

I transformed my cluttered Gmail inbox into a streamlined, efficient system using its built-in automation tools.

2
The promotions inbox in Gmail.
I cleaned up my Gmail storage and got back way more space than expected

A cleaner, faster, more organized inbox makes all the difference and storage concerns are now a thing of the past.

4
Instant Pot with various ingredients.
I wish I had this home cooking gadget when I was in college

An Instant Pot not only takes the effort out of cooking, but helps you take back control of your time and food budget.

spotify lossless on spotify desktop.
I changed these 3 Spotify settings and my music sounds way better

Unlock the full potential of your Spotify subscription by adjusting a few audio settings that make your music library instantly punchier.

Breathing exercises on a Fitbit watch.
5 clever ways to use your smartwatch that have nothing to do with fitness

My smartwatch was primarily a fitness tracker until I discovered several uses that improve my productivity and general well-being.

The Bingie Kodi skin home page.
How to make Kodi look exactly like Netflix

It was surprisingly easy to change my default skin to emulate my favorite streaming service.

1
Apple Maps on an Android phone.
Apple Maps just did something I never expected

The Apple Maps service is now accessible on Android devices, but it's not the cross-platform solution you might expect.

Front panel of an LG home theater receiver
5 signs your home theater speakers are actually underpowered

Do you get the feeling your home theater speakers aren't performing to their optimal level? Here are some red flags to look for.

1 2 3 4 5