November 2013


Coin is Trying to Bring Credit Card Payments into the Future

There have been attempts to unify all of your payment methods in the past using Near Field Communication technology (NFC).  However, NFC really hasn’t caught on like some had expected.  Coin is trying to bring to market a truly universal product that will unify all of your credit cards, gift cards, and loyalty cards into one swipeable card.


Android 4.4 for Verizon Moto X Is Now Official

I am amazed that the Moto X on Verizon is the first non-Nexus devices to get Android 4.4, as confirmed by The Verge and Droid Life. The update should be appearing on your Moto X as of today. This update does not include the Google Experience Launcher, which is exclusive to the Nexus 5.




FLOTE Your Tablet for Better Viewing and More Functionality

If you have been searching for a better way to keep your tablet or eReader positioned in the optimal location for comfort and ease-of-use the FLOTE may be just the thing. The $299 FLOTE, which comes in a desktop or freestanding model, may be pricey but it is a solidly built, great-looking way to hold your tablet exactly where you want.


Poo-Pourri – Using Potty Humor to Sell a Great Product

While waiting for a Lenovo video to load, this hilarious Poo-Pourri ad popped up. Usually I click SKIP as soon as the option is available, but not this time. Maybe it’s the 5th grader still trapped inside of me, but this video made me laugh; even funnier is that it’s a product I know works as advertised. Don’t ask; just enjoy.


Baby You Can Ride My Car. The Kennedy Car 50 Years Later

I wrote up my visit to the Henry Ford Museum after being there with Ford last January. Among the amazing things I saw during my visit was the actual car President Kennedy was riding in when he was shot 50 years ago this week. More amazing? It was put back into service, and other Presidents rode in it.


Would You Buy a 12″ iPad? Question of the Day

It’s been a few weeks since Apple announced their new iPads so it’s past time for the next round of Apple rumors to start. Most recently is the rumor that Cupertino is moving forward with production of the 12″ iPad (a Max-iPad??). Would you buy an oversized iPad or is that just overkill? Let us know in the comments below.


The JawboneUP24 means No More Remembering to Sync

I love the way my JawBone UP tracks my steps and my sleep, reminds me to get moving and functions as my alarm clock. I HATED needing to plug it into my iPhone to sync data and, thankfully, my new Jawbone UP24 fixes that. The UP24 syncs wirelessly and offers real-time updates and notifications. All that for just $20 more!


PWRglass Triples Google Glass Battery Life While Tripling Your Time in the Tool Shed

Other than looking like a tool, the main thing I really worry about when wearing Glass is how to best manage battery life, because it doesn’t take long before the battery withers — especially when filming video. PWRglass is a prototype product that aims to triple the Glass battery’s life. It looks like a lanyard and empowers Glass. Worth it? PWRglass via Joe from Book of Joe


HTC One Max Android Phablet Unboxed and Examined

I like my HTC One; it has turned out to be the best Android phone I’ve ever owned or used, but I do wish that it had a larger screen and a better camera. When I heard there was an HTC One Max coming out, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. Larger screen? Better Camera? Yes and no, but …


MapMyFitness Bought by UnderArmour

When I bought my second pair of Nike Free Run shoes last year, one factor was that the shoe had the slot for the foot pod that connected to my Nike+ GPS watch that hooked into my laptop to help me track my workouts. Under Armour lacked such a tie-in, so they bought MapMyFitness.


The Real “Breaking Bad” Ending

The ongoing joke about the finale of “Breaking Bad” was that it would end with Walter White in witness protection as Hal from “Malcolm in the Middle”, as both roles were played by actor Bryan Cranston. A recently leaked video that Forbes thinks is a legitimate special feature from the Breaking Bad DVD set looks at a similarly themed ending to the show! Yes, this video is an homage to the end of Newhart, and whether it’s a legitimately sanctioned video or not, it’s amazing to see Jane Kaczmarek and Bryan Cranston become Lois and Hal one more time! via…


Just Mobile Mobile-Charging Roundup Review

It is easy to think all cables are the same, but that simply isn’t the case. Not only do high-quality cables last longer and perform better, but they can also enhance the experience of using your devices. Just Mobile’s Highway Max, AluCable Twist and AluCable Mini do just that. We got one of each for review!


Equil Jot Smartpen Review – A Great Way to Digitize your Handwritten Notes

Equil’s smartpen offering, the Jot, is a truly useful tool, especially for those who often take handwritten notes.  With Jot, your written notes are digitally translated to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac in order to collect and organize your ramblings.  There are two free companion apps, one for writing and one for sketching.  The Jot retails for $149.99.


Charge It All On the Go with the Anker 5V / 5A 5-Port Wall Charger

The Anker 5-Port Wall Charger will be coming in quite handy during my upcoming travels. Instead of needing to carry multiple wall adapters this small rectangle of electronics will let me take just one adapter but still charge up to five different devices at a time. Best of all the $45.99 accessory is currently just $19.99 in our Amazon Store.


HEX Cabana Messenger Bag Giveaway

We reviewed the HEX Cabana Messenger Bag and were impressed. The $80 bag may look simple, but it has a trick up its flap. The HEX Cabana Messenger Bag was made with the iPad-lover in mind; it lets you carry a 15″ laptop and iPad. It even gives you access to the tablet on the go. We’re giving away the review sample!


Kanex simpleDock’s 3-in-1 Offers MacBooks Ports and Power to Spare

If you find your self frequently using your MacBook air or MacBook pro at your desk you’ll want to check out the Kanex simpleDock’s 3-in-1. The $119.00 dock provides three USB ports, a storage/charging/syncing slot for your iPhone and more. This accessory will empower your laptop computing, help keep your desk lady and let you work more efficiently.


Toymail is a Cute Idea That Picks Your Pocket

One of the things I have learned extremely quickly as a new parent is that some kid’s accessories and toys come with crazy gimmicks. They’re either smartphone-connected for no good reason, overpriced, or they’ll make something simple overly complicated, all in an effort to part parents from money. The Toymail project on Kickstarter appears to nail the trifecta!


Make Your High-Fives the Life of the Party with Fiesta Five!

When I heard about the Dragon Innovation project called ‘The Fiesta Five’, I had an immediate thought: one of my sons loves fist-bumps and high fives, the other does not. When he finally does give his brother a high-five, there is a celebration … and I could just picture him using one of these to make it truly special.