October 2013

New X: Rebirth Trailer Shows the Awesome New Battle Interface

In deep strategic combat simulation PC games such as the X series, complexity is a way of life. Since 1999 the X franchise has expanded the scope of its universe, the complexity of systems, and pretty much everything else. Riding on this history, X: Rebirth launches on November 15th to bring you an entirely new look for a classic franchise.


New Gear From Just Mobile

Our friends at Just Mobile have always put out some of our favorite iPhone, iPad and Mac accessories. Over the past few months they have added some great new items to their portfolio. We have a few one the way for review and as a giveaway. In the meantime, here’s a look at some of them.


Rosetta Stone Arcade Academy Debuts on iOS

The popular Rosetta Stone® language learning modules now have game! The company has launched Rosetta Stone Arcade Academy where users can expand their Spanish linguistic skills through various games within a mobile application. Users can get the app (149 MB) on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad for free (as of October 2013).



Grab Build-A-Lot 3 HD for iPad and iPhone for FREE This Week!

I reviewed Build-A-Lot 3 HD almost exactly a year ago, praising the game for the inherent challenge balanced with a system that was reasonably forgiving, resulting in a satisfying experience that was neither dull nor frustrating. This week G5 are offering the game for FREE on iPad & iPhone – but hurry because the deal ends on October 27th!


Family-Friendly 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Now More Tech-Savvy, Too

In my third and final rerun review for October, we revisit the all-new Nissan Pathfinder mid-size sport utility vehicle. Model year 2013 saw a switch to a three-row, unibody chassis SUV, a popular move apparently as we found our test vehicle getting quite a few positive comments from folks we encountered during our week behind the wheel.


Puzzle Knights Melds Match-3 Fun and Strategic Battles!

When I saw the basic information for Puzzle Knights I was intrigued: Match-3 system, strategic battle system, online challenges and level-up system. Playing the game was every bit as much fun, with plenty of enemies to challenge and a continuously enjoyable puzzle system. With the recent update the game is even better, and is definitely worth checking out!



Dragon’s Crown (w/Cross-Play) Review for PS3/PSVita

Dragon’s Crown, a current PlayStation console exclusive, brings a nostalgic look and feel with retrospective action-role playing and a recently revealed cross-play option between the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita versions. Published by Atlus and developed by Vanillaware, Dragon’s Crown has plenty of eclectic characters, beat ‘em up action, antagonistic boss challenges, simplified level design, and a great online multiplayer mode.


Where’s George Makes Geo-Tracking Money Fun

Have you ever received a dollar bill with a stamp that said “Track me at www.wheresgeorge.com“? One of the dollar bills that my stepdaughter got for losing a tooth had that stamp on it, so the first thing we did this morning was check to see what the site Where’s George was all about.



A Request for Reader Input and Advice Regarding My Gear

Here on Gear Diary we often review new products and, sometimes directly and at other times indirectly, we offer recommendations. This time out, I’m turning to all of you for guidance and input: which laptop I should use on a series of upcoming trips. Here’s background on where things currently stand and what kind of input I am seeking.


Tough It Out with the TYLT RUGGD for iPhone 5C

If you are looking to protect your iPhone 5C without putting it into a huge bulky case, then you’ll want to check out the TYLT RUGGD for iPhone 5C. Built to keep your colorful iPhone safe, it offers triple protection for the phone’s ever-vulnerable corners. It will be available in black and lime for just $34.99. Learn more here.



Power and Protect with the TYLT ENERGI Power Case for the iPhone 5/5s

Battery cases that protect and recharge iPhones are great during CES, but the bulk and extra weight aren’t always right for every day use. That’s where the TYLT ENERGI Power Case for the iPhone 5/5s can help. It gives you two snap on minimalist cases AND an extended slide on battery — just $99.99 for all three. TYLT describes this battery/case system in the following manner: The ENERGI Case with slide on battery is made for the real world. And with slim battery technology we only add 9mm to the thickness of the iPhone, you barely know you are carrying 9…


Get Serious About Security with Swann’s Platinum HD Security System

The Swann: Platinum HD System is for the seriously security-minded homeowner. The full 1080p HD DVR/camera kit and the Swann View app offer live remote viewing via four HD Cameras recording at 30 FPS. A 4 Channel DVR with 2TB hard drive records 45 days of non-stop video. It even has night vision. Available now at www.Swann.com for $1599.


Grilled Cheesus and the Ecumenical Guide to Grilled Cheese

Judie and I recently got pitched to cover the Grilled Cheesus. Yes, it is exactly what is sounds like — a grilled cheese gadget that makes “grilled cheese sandwiches easier and tastier — and more divine”. It is a real product that costs $39.95. We got to thinking, what would other faith-based grilled cheesers look like? Let’s take a look.


The Waterfield Staad Backpack Received and Examined

The day the new Waterfield Staad backpack was announced, Dan and I placed our orders. Yesterday I received my Stout Staad in black on black; Dan had received his Stout in brown on black the day before. Does the Staad live up to our expectations? It’s too soon for a full review, but we thought you’d enjoy some initial impressions.


Another Study Confirms That Google+ Is Worthless and Weak

I have seen people redefining the purpose of Google+ faster and more frequently than a politician doing the two-step when realizing their current position might impact the chance for re-election! And yet the truth remains – while Google continues to integrate properties with Google+ … the impact of the service is non-existent, less than any other social media site.


Facebook Ads 1790% More Profitable on iOS than Android

It should be obvious that the reason for advertising on a web site or app is to make money … and more specifically to make more money than you are paying to place the ad. Facebook’s mobile app is ad-supported, but a new study from Nanigans suggests that the advertising on iOS is nearly 1800% more profitable than on Android!


Stand O’ Food Empire Brings Freemium Time Management Fun to iPad!

Given the huge success of their freemium games Virtual City Playground and The Secret Society, it is no surprise that G5 Entertainment is taking the ‘freemium sandbox’ route with more of their properties. Stand O’Food is a popular time-management game series, and with Stand O’Food Empire you can now build new restaurant chains with Ronnie, Nikki and Clarence !