October 2013

Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear Headphones Review

I have a pair of Sennheiser on-ear noise-cancelling headphones I purchased years ago. They are well-loved, and most recently went to France with my mother-in-law. The headphones still look and sound fantastic. That’s why the Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones intrigued me. These $229.95 headphones come in great colors, offer exceptional comfort and, best of all, sound great. Check them out. The MOMENTUM on-ear headphones impressed me the minute I pulled them from the box. They are light but surprisingly solid, the color is rich but not overly punchy, and the metal frame, ear cups, and rivets connecting the metal frame…

Gear Bits

Brinell GmbH Introduces Stylish, Speedy SSDs in Seven Styles

A new, stylish external storage solution from Brinell GmbH recently surfaced, revealing seven beautiful SSD form factor styles to choose from. Sporting USB 3.0 specs, the Brinell external SSDs offer zippy read/write speeds in UAS Turbo mode of 420/330 MB/s respectively, with prices starting from about $216 for the 120GB version to $768 USD for 500GB capacity. High-end performance meets high-end materials, with Brinell’s SSD external drives featuring components such as Makassar ebony, Nappa leather, carbon fiber, or stainless steel in various stylings. The externals are lightweight too, weighing in at around 4.2 ounces. Plus, in addition to their zippy,…

Events, Vehicles & Gear

2014 Kia Soul Stays Fresh with Funky Styling and Special Features

The first Kia Soul model was sold in 2010. Since then, the Soul has become a favorite of everyone from urban dwellers looking for a fuel-efficient compact with personality, to those who appreciate its low profile with easy trunk and rider access. 2014 brings its first major redesign since 2010, and it quite the transformation. The Soul is known for its funky boxy design; Kia’s priority was to stay true to that while making their 2014 model unique and special but obviously evolved. They succeeded. The 2014 Kia has improved dynamics; it draws inspiration from a wild boar, as seen by its…

Reviews

Speck CandyShell for the iPhone 5C Review

The Speck GemShell for the iPhone 5C is a great way to protect your new device while also allowing the color of the iPhone’s plastic case to shine through. (Check out our review.) If, however, you want a case that not only protects, but also adds its own color to the iPhone 5C, then you should check out the $34.95 Speck CandyShell. The CandyShell for iPhone 5C has the same familiar design we have seen on previous CandyShell models. That means it offers a good degree of lay-on-the-table protection. The space that covers the bottom of the phone is divided…

Editorials

Surprise, Car Batteries Can Explode – Even Those from Tesla!

News broke this week that a Tesla Model S caught fire after hitting a piece of debris on the highway. People buzzed about safety, and Elon Musk posted a letter explaining why the Model S is actually safer than most gas-powered vehicles. My reaction, however, wasn’t fear about Teslas – I was happy someone had a weirder “exploding car” story than me! Several years ago, I drove a 2000 Nissan Altima. It had been my grandmother’s, and since she barely drove it before I used it, it had the original battery. Fast forward several years and several thousand miles, and…

Gear Bits

When Bloggers Do Battle

During a recent Kia event for the rollout of the new Kia Soul, Judie donned a sumo wrestler’s costume and went to battle. Fighting in blue and under the moniker “Don’t Mess With Texas”, she squared off against her friend Helena, in red and a.k.a. “I’ll Beat You in a New York Minute”. Who was victorious? Check out this video and see for yourself.

Reviews

Belkin Express Dock Always Offers Your iPad a Perfect Fit

The Express Dock for iPad with built-in 4-foot USB cable is just under $60. That’s a lot for an iPad dock, but you won’t find a more solid dock that works with all current iOS devices. Better still, it works with most iPads and iPhones without the needing to remove the device from its case. Check it out here. The first thing you notice when you remove the Belkin Express Dock from its packaging is just how heavy it is. The dock is nicely weighted and, as a result, it creates a solid base for your iOS device that won’t…

Gear Bits, News

The Voice of Siri Revealed

In 2005 Susan Bennett went to Apple to record some audio of her saying some words that iOS users know really well. Yes Susan Bennett is the voice of Siri. Susan did not know that she was recording Siri’s voice at the time and imagine her amazement when her friends asked her if it was her. In the story, we also find out that she was also the voice of an ATM called “Tillie” and she’s also done voices for Delta Airlines as well. What other voices do you hear that she may have done?

Gear Bits

Baldur’s Gate II Enhanced Edition for Mac & PC Confirmed for November 15th Launch!

Updating an absolute classic of gaming, Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition combines both Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn and Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. The Enhanced Edition includes four new characters with their own quests. Beamdog announced November 15th launch date for the game on Mac & PC with a $24.99 pre-order, iOS and Android versions to follow.

Gear Bits

Never Lose your Sole-Mate Again with Sock Snappers

We’ve all been there, one of your socks, probably from your favorite pair, goes missing. The sock monster strikes again! Sock Snappers is funding on Kickstarter now to help keep your sock pairs together while washing and drying. These ingenious little snaps clip onto your socks and allow the socks to snap together so they won’t be separated. The plastic snaps clip onto your socks, and they remain there without any special tools and are made of soft plastic material so you won’t even feel them while wearing your socks. Before you put them in the laundry basket, snap the…

Editorials

What is HTC’s Future with Windows Phone?

I like Windows Phone quite a bit, and am rooting for it to succeed as a viable third option in the mobile phone market. So I was quite excited to see that Microsoft and HTC still intend to work together, even with Microsoft’s purchase of Nokia. But the rumor of dual-boot Android/Windows Phone devices send a shiver down my spine. Yes, the latest rumor from Windows Phone Central is that HTC is investigating the feasibility of a dual-boot phone, which is intriguing, but I think will ultimately be very damaging to Windows Phone. There’s already a perception that developers are…

Gear Bits

TremorFX Home Theater Seating by RedSeat Entertainment Brings the Sound to Your Seat

RedSeat Entertainment recently introduced its new TremorFX Home Theater seats, which are perfect for any home theater setup. These seats vibrate and pulsate to correspond to the movie’s soundtrack. TremorFX seats use audio processors and wireless transmitters to bring the sound from your receiver straight to your seat. An available HDMI-Out jack on your receiver is all that’s needed. The TremorFX seats can even be used for gaming as long as the video game is run through your receiver. I’m a huge movie buff and these chairs look incredibly comfortable and would absolutely enhance my enjoyment of my movies. Now,…

Gear Bits

The Wonder Woman Short That Puts Hollywood to Shame

Despite the success of Lynda Carter in the 70s TV show, there has never been a Wonder Woman movie or another TV show. There was a failed attempt a couple of years ago, and the rumored Justice League movie became a ‘Man of Steel’ sequel. Now Rainfall Films gives a short look at Wonder Woman with great costumes and atmosphere.

Game Diary, Reviews

Special Enquiry Detail 2 – Engaged to Kill for Mac Review

A few months ago I reviewed the iPad version of Special Enquiry Detail 2 – Engaged to Kill HD and found it lived up to the high level of the original. Now G5 and Floodlight have released the game for the Mac. The port works perfectly, with the characters and mystery every bit as intriguing as before. Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) game Platform/where to buy: Mac; available in the Mac App Store Developer: Floodlight Games / G5 Entertainment Description: Special Enquiry Detail 2 has loads of content, including: Six highly intriguing chapters 44 locations to examine…

Outdoors, Reviews, Yum Log

Smoke at Home with Masterbuilt

If you like smoked meats, then, well I guess we can be friends. But not everyone has the room for a big wood-fired smoker or the time to tend the fire for a long cooktime. For convenient home smoking and consistently delicious reults, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Digital Stainless Steel Smokehouse might just be the solution for you!

Gear Bits

Time to Grab Your Kindle, a Blanket and a Steaming Mug of Starbuck’s New Caramel Coffee

The temperature may be in the 80s in New Jersey today but there is no doubt fall is here. The temperature is sure to plummet and, when it does, a mug of Starbuck’s new Caramel or Vanilla K-Cup coffee will be just the thing. I’ve tried both and all I can say is… yum!

Editorials

To Phablet or Not to Phablet?

I’ve recently been able to test out a Galaxy Note 2 for a while thanks to Ting. Now that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 is almost here, I thought I would lay out the pluses and minuses of going phablet. There are some really compelling reasons that the Galaxy Note 3 just might be my dream device. The Galaxy Note series are often coined as a phablets. Part phone, part tablet. The Galaxy Note 3 was already on my shortlist of possible new devices when my contract expires in April, so it only made sense to check out the Galaxy Note 2…

Game Diary, Reviews

Where Angels Cry for Kindle Fire Review

In the world of hidden object games, developers can craft purely hidden object screen game types as well as more adventure-oriented games. Where Angels Cry is on the adventure side of the genre, which forces more plot and character development. I said in the iPad version review the game handles these well, and the Kindle Fire version is also great. Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) Platform/where to buy: Kindle Fire; available in the Amazon App Store Developer: Cateia Games / G5 Entertainment Description: Here are some of the features: ? 18 amazing mini-games and puzzles to solve…

Game Diary, Reviews

Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel Brings Haunting Fun to iOS!

Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel takes you on a journey with Detective Bridget “Biggi” Brightstone as she explores a hotel that holds many mysteries. This is a classic Cateia game, like many others G5 has published for iOS, and I love the way they put together games that combine hidden objects and puzzles in a story-based adventure. Type of app: Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here); available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Cateia Games / G5 Entertainment Description: ? 50 arduous levels to conquer ? Five intriguing chapters to navigate ? 15 puzzling mini-games to master…

Gear Bits

TiVo Is the Hidden Linux of the Week

The internet and Linux were both relatively new things in 1999 for much of the world outside of academia. It was at that time that a new device came out that has since been eclipsed by other services. What am I talking about? What many consider the first DVR, the humble TiVo. And yes, TiVo runs Linux. TiVo was originally started by Jim Barton and Mike Ramsay, via the original company which was named Teleworld. Teleworld was then renamed TiVo Inc at a later date. The first TiVo was demonstrated at the 1999 Consumer Electronics show and then released in…

Gear Bits

Still Looking to Pre-Order an Xbox One or PS4? NowInStock.net May Help

Every time a new generation of gaming consoles is released, there tends to be great buzz and excitement as fans start pre-ordering their devices. As is the case almost every time, retailers start selling out of the first shipment of consoles very quickly. If you’re still looking to pre-order, check out NowInStock.net which can alert you when pre-orders become available. I, like many consumers, was on the hunt for an Xbox One pre-order. If you navigate to NowInStock.net’s Xbox One page, it lists all available packages, bundles, etc. and lets you know where you can order them. You’re also able to…

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