Nick Hastings
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick is a Portland native and a graduate of Saint Mary's College of California with a Bachelor's of Communication.
Nick's writing background is in sports and gaming, and he maintains a contentious love-hate relationship with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Other interests include: hip-hop music, street tacos, endlessly quoting 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
Headphone buying guide
In the market for a new pair of headphones? Trying to sift through thousands of brands and countless models can be overwhelming, not to mention exhausting. Try looking over our comprehensive buying guide to help you decide which features you need, and which ones you don't. It's time to go pro.
How to use Movies Anywhere to consolidate all your digital films
A new collaborative program between major retailers and film studios could change movie ownership forever. Here's a quick guide on how to use Movies Anywhere to consolidate your digital film library, letting you watch your favorites over and over without taking up space with Blu-ray discs.
Make it so! Sir Patrick Stewart to return to the role of Jean-Luc Picard
The Star Trek franchise will always live long and prosper. After signing screenwriter Alex Kurtzman to a five-year deal, CBS revealed that it's currently developing four stand-alone series set in the Trek universe. It has also been announced that Patrick Stewart will return to the series.
Monoprice True Wireless review
Fully wireless earbuds are popping up left and right, but finding a decent pair on the cheap isn't easy. We checked out the $50 Monoprice True Wireless Earphones, and while they're hardly spectacular, they're comfortable, reliable, and -- best of all -- affordable.
Matt Groening’s Netflix series ‘Disenchantment’ debuts its first trailer
Matt Groening's new animated series, Disenchantment, is set to arrive on Netflix this summer (August 17, to be specific). The adult-targeted show follows a princess (Abbi Jacobson), her personal demon (Eric Andre), and their elf friend (Nat Faxon) in a high fantasy setting.
Sennheiser CX Sport review
We’ve spent a lot of time writing glowing reviews about Sennheiser tech. The company’s latest effort – representing its first foray into the workout world – is the CX Sport, wireless in-ear headphones with a slick, modern look. We tested them out to see if they’re worth pulling out of the crowd.
AMC takes aim at MoviePass with new subscription service
MoviePass might not be around much longer, but if you've got AMC theaters in your area, a better option has just come along. AMC, the biggest theater chain in America, has just announced Stubs A-List, a program which allows users to see three movies each week for $20 per month.
What’s going on? Dr. Dre is working on a Marvin Gaye movie, that’s what
One of hip-hop's biggest icons is making a movie about one of R&B's biggest legends. Dr. Dre is working on a film about the late Marvin Gaye -- a project that has been eyed by many but never approved by the Gaye estate. If it's anything like Straight Outta Compton, it'll be a hit.
YouTube Music and YouTube Premium launch on mobile in 17 countries
Google has officially launched YouTube Music, the app that will eventually replace Google Play Music. The app offers streaming music alongside a wide selection of music videos, remixes, and covers. YouTube Premium also debuted, replacing YouTube Red in the paid subscription tier.
The massive AT&T-Time Warner merger could make it much harder to cut the cord
This week, a federal judge officially approved a massive deal in which AT&T will acquire Time Warner Inc. and all its properties, including HBO, CNN, and more. The move could have serious consequences, no matter whether you're a subscriber or not. We break down what the merger means for you.
Sonos-Ikea collaboration yields first product, the Symfonisk bracketed speaker
Months ago, everyone's favorite Scandinavian furniture store, Ikea, announced a collaboration with home audio experts Sonos. After much speculation, the companies have finally announced the Symfonisk, a bracketed speaker currently in development. It represents the first step in a long-term partnership.
‘Get Out’ director Jordan Peele signs exclusive TV deal with Amazon Studios
Jordan Peele is a hot commodity in Hollywood these days and now he's off the market. Peele's Monkeypaw Productions and Amazon Studios have come to an agreement on an exclusive first-look TV deal; Peele's upcoming series The Hunt and Lorena will both appear on Prime Video.
Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 review
We were neither impressed nor inspired by the adolescent aesthetic of Plantronics’ BackBeat Go 600 wireless headphones. After spending some quality time with them, however, we came away with an appreciation for their comfortable cups, lightweight design and smoothly balanced sound.
How to set up HDR gaming on your Xbox One and 4K HDR TV
Wondering how to enable HDR on Xbox One? You're not alone. To help you take advantage of your tech, we've put together a quick-hit guide.
The 10 best streaming war movies
We remember wars not just for their death tolls, but also for the bravery of those who fought in them and those who worked to end them. Here are 10 of the best war movies now streaming on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon.
Next Star Wars Story will reportedly feature Boba Fett
The Star Wars universe will never stop expanding, if Disney and Lucasfilm have anything to say about it. Reports indicate a stand-alone Boba Fett film is currently in the works, with Logan director James Mangold attached. Perhaps he'll say more than 27 words this time around?
Ryan Reynolds, Michael Bay, Deadpool writers to produce Netflix-exclusive film
According to reports, Netflix will be producing an action film starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Michael Bay. The movie, titled Six Underground, will also be written by Deadpool scribes Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. Expect it to arrive on Netflix sometime in 2019.
RHA MA650 Wireless review
Last year, we thought the RHA MA750 Wireless headphones lacked balance and prioritized design over performance. After spending some time with the cheaper MA650 Wireless, we’re happy to report that those issues have largely disappeared, resulting in an impressive package that blends comfort with clarity.
Solis SO-6000 review
On the lookout for retro-styled gear? If you’re into 1950s-inspired, mid-century modern design, the Solis SO-6000 wireless speaker will grab your curiosity. But how does it stack up when it comes to craftsmanship and sound quality? As our review relays, it’s not easy matching sleek style with worthy performance.
More danger, Will Robinson: Netflix renews ‘Lost in Space’ for a second season
Netflix's Lost in Space reboot series debuted in early April to massive success, with more than a million viewers bingeing all 10 episodes in the first three days it aired. Now, the sci-fi show has been officially renewed for a second season. More danger, Will Robinson, indeed.
Netflix lands horror anthology series from Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro
After earning the Oscar for Best Director (The Shape of Water), acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is doubling down on his partnership with Netflix. The Trollhunters creator is developing a horror anthology series exclusively for the very popular streaming platform.
SBode M400 Bluetooth speaker review
The list of wireless speakers on Amazon is long, and it can be hard to tell what’s legit (and what’s not) without a practiced eye. We tested out a pair of Sbode M400 speakers to see whether they belong with the best or with the rest. Turns out, the answer is somewhere in between.
Who’s next? As it snubs R. Kelly, Spotify opens a moral can of worms
Spotify recently introduced a new Hate Content & Hateful Conduct Policy, removing R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from its curated and algorithmic playlists. Apple Music and Pandora are also pulling material promoting Kelly. Is it justified? And how does this decision impact the streaming industry at large?
MoviePass in danger following steep stock drops for parent company
Popular moviegoing service MoviePass has hit another snag, as parent company Helios and Matheson Analytics saw precipitous drops in stock prices over a two-day period. CEO Ted Matheson doesn't seem to think changes are necessary, but a Securities and Exchanges filing says otherwise.
‘Baby Driver’ actress joins Fassbender, Schwarzenegger in ‘Kung Fury’ sequel
David Sandberg's cult sensation Kung Fury is getting a full-length sequel, with prominent actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Hasselhoff, Michael Fassbender, and Eiza González already cast in the follow-up to the wild '80s homage that got its start as a Kickstarter project.
MoviePass moving back to 1-per-day model amid questions of profitability
Despite comments from CEO Mitch Lowe just days ago, MoviePass has evidently decided enough is enough, and will return to its ultra-popular subscription model. The new (old) model allows users to see one movie per day for $10 each month, while the previous model limited users to four tickets per month.
Disney will launch a new series, ‘Star Wars: Resistance,’ later this year
Can't get enough Star Wars? Neither can we, and with Star Wars Day coming up, we were over the moon to learn that Disney's got a new animated series -- titled Star Wars: Resistance -- coming out this fall. The series is set before the events of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and follows a young Resistance spy.