Articles by Michael Anderson

10 Quick 'First Impressions' of the Apple iPad Pro

News, Reviews

10 Quick ‘First Impressions’ of the Apple iPad Pro

Several of us have said before that it is hard to truly assess a ‘daily use’ item in a quick review done in a day or two of use immediately after a product launch. Maybe there are updates coming so we are less critical in that area, or maybe we can accommodate a behavior change in the short term that we can’t over the long haul. So instead of a ‘review’, I wanted to post 10 first impressions of the new iPad Pro. Of course, I am writing this post on the Pro! I think it is important to understand…

Runtastic Introduces 'Results' App Focused on Personalized Training for Success!

Health and Fitness, News

Runtastic Introduces ‘Results’ App Focused on Personalized Training for Success!

While some people can simply include exercise as part of their healthy lifestyle, most people need more incentive: they need goals, motivation, and a PLAN. Simply tracking isn’t enough, something that Runtastic gets and has implemented in their new Results app. Results delivers focused training plans to help you reach your goals! Online training programs are becoming more and more popular and effective, replacing DVD and old VHS ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’ routines by focusing on shorter, more rigorous workouts that deliver visible results more quickly and effectively. It does this by maximizing the effectiveness of your workout time. “Runtastic…

Livescribe Acquired for $15 Million-End of the SmartPen Era?

Editorials

Livescribe Acquired for $15 Million-End of the SmartPen Era?

Back in 2007, Livescribe introduced a product that bridged the analog and digital worlds-you use a physical pen and real paper, but everything you do is digitized and stored to be searchable and categorized. It was awesome, and just got better-in 2014 Dan reviewed the Livescribe 3, which I continue to love.

Garmin Introduces the VivoSmart HR: Fitness Tracker with SmartWatch Aspirations

Health and Fitness, News

Garmin Introduces the VivoSmart HR: Fitness Tracker with SmartWatch Aspirations

I never finished my review of the Garmin VivoSmart, partly because the VivoActive arrived and I ran to that, but partly because it took a few firmware updates for everything to stabilize with the Bluetooth functionality. But I really loved the VivoSmart, and if I didn’t prefer GPS to smartwatch capabilities, I’d probably still use it today. So when I got a message about the new VivoSmart HR I was intrigued. At first glance you might think this is something new in the VivoFit line, as the appearance is much different than the original VivoSmart and closer to the VivoFit…

It's Wednesday, So It Must Be Time for New Garmin GPS Watches?!?

Editorials, Health and Fitness, News

It’s Wednesday, So It Must Be Time for New Garmin GPS Watches?!?

Doesn’t it feel like I was just writing about the Garmin Forerunner 225 announcement? While it has actually been 5 months since the FR 225 reveal, since then they also added the FR 25 entry level GPS watch and each slowly trickled into availability. This year has been all about big new launches and slow product roll-outs that have left me scratching my head wondering what is happening with Garmin. Today Garmin announced three new watches that should have me excited, but instead resulted in a cynical eye-roll and vague interest in when they might hit stores – but why…

OxyLED MD50 Flashlight Review

Outdoors, Reviews

OxyLED MD50 Flashlight Review

For many years we would go to the local department store each summer and buy a simple flashlight, extra C or D batteries and a spare bulb to last us through summer camping trips, never really thrilled with what we got. Now we have awesome flashlights like the OxyLED MD50 flashlight that more than meet our needs-read on for more!

Runtastic Announces the Moment Fitness Watch!

Health and Fitness, News

Runtastic Announces the Moment Fitness Watch!

I was a big fan of the Runtastic Orbit – a simple fitness wearable that met my ‘just work’ criteria for these devices: it fit well, tracked well, and instantly connected to my phone via Bluetooth and never failed to sync. Now they are announcing the Moment, which takes their solid fitness tracking and wraps it up with an attractive series of watch designs. Designed to meet the needs of all types of users, the Runtastic Moment is available in four unique styles that offer different size watch faces, types of bands and colors. Simply sync it with the Runtastic…

Divinity Original Sin 2

Game Diary, News

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Kickstarter Launching August 26th!

One of my favorite recent games is Divinity: Original Sin from Larian Studios, who developed my ‘Top 5 all-time’ RPG Divine Divinity. The game released on Mac & PC about a year ago to much acclaim, and is getting an enhanced edition and console release this fall. Now Larian has announced that they are working on Divinity: Original Sin 2!

Game of Dragons

Game Diary, Reviews

G5’s Game of Dragons Brings Fiery Magic to iOS!

The latest hidden-object puzzle adventure from G5 Entertainment, Game of Dragons follows the path forged by many others, but innovates with a storyline that takes you between parallel worlds, from one reality to another filled with dragons and other fantasy creatures as you discover you’re a princess and work to defeat Simon and rescue the emperor!

Ello

News

Ello Is Available for iPhone…But Does Anyone Care?

Late in 2014 the social media site Ello launched as a sort of ‘anti-Facebook’; no ads, no tracking, no user mining, just user-centric social interaction! The launch generated hype and interest, which quickly dwindled once people started using it! The features continue to grow, and now Ello has launched an iPhone app! Will you try it again?

Bard’s Tale IV

Crowdfunding, Game Diary

Bard’s Tale IV on Kickstarter-Free Games for 24hrs!

I’d planned to write about the launch of The Bard’s Tale IV on Kickstarter anyway, but today I’ve learned of an incentive that makes it a ‘must pledge’ recommendation! InXile Entertainment announced that backers in the first 24 hours of the campaign will receive a free copy of Wasteland 2, CD Projekt’s The Witcher, or Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.