2013 | Gear Diary

Reminder That All Female Joggers Might Be One Run from Death – The Monday Mile

A week ago, satire site The Onion posted ‘Nation’s Female Joggers Know They Will One Day Be Assaulted, Buried In Woods’, where women acknowledge this as simply part of the circle of life. All fun aside, as fall arrives it’s a good time to step back and remind ourselves of the need for enhanced safety on shorter, cooler days. I wrote about early morning running tips in the first part of spring as I started to see more people emerging from their winter cocoons, and now as school is back in session and the mornings are darker it makes sense…

Editorials

Has Klout Suckered You into Thinking You Are Important?

People are such competitive creatures, and bloggers can be some of the worst; Klout is a company that feeds that beast. Touting itself as “The Standard for Influence”, Klout measures the reach of everyone who is active in social media. What’s your Klout score? Should it even matter? Does it matter to you? Of course it does; you’re human! Klout preys upon people’s desire to feel or at least be perceived as influential or important, and it gives users a tangible score that can be used for comparison against others in their field (or in other non-related fields). Klout offers instant validation…

Gear Bits

The MagiCable Duo with Lightning Connector – a First World Problem Solved

My phone has a Lightning Connector for charging. My headset uses a microUSB connection for charging. My desk looks like a snake pit of cables. That’s where the MagiCable Duo with Lightning Connector comes in. This $29.99 cable features a unique 2-in-1 design and works with both Apple Lightning and Micro USB tips. Check it out. You can file this one under “Solutions to First World Problems”

Game Diary

Why Does the ‘Damsel in Distress’ Video Game Plot Device Work?

Media Critic Anita Sarkeesian made her name primarily by shedding light on the treatment of women in video games. After YouTube videos on the subject, she sought Kickstarter funding to produce a professional series. Asking for $6000 she got nearly $160,000! The third in the ‘Damsel in Distress’ series was recently released, and it is worth checking them all out. You can also check out her Feminist Frequency site and Tumblr page for more info. Here is the series in order: For me one of the saddest things has been the vile and violent responses to these videos, and that…

Reviews

V-MODA Remix In-Ear Headphones Remote Review – Great Sound, Awesome Comfort

I absolutely raved about the V-MODA M-100 over-the-ear headphones we reviewed last month. They have become my go-to headphones when I don’t need noise cancellation. Now I’ve had the chance to use the V-MODA Remix Remote in-ear headphones. These $79 headphones are comfortable and sound great; the remote and microphone make them great all-around headphones. Check them out. V-MODA did a great job bringing their audio prowess to in-ear headphones. The V-MODA Remix Remote offer huge sound in a small package. As the product page explains, Don’t just hear the music, feel it. With the Remix Remote, you get unparalleled…

Gear Bits

Apple Throws Shade: “We Don’t Just Toss In Technology for Technology’s Sake”

Check out our thoughts on Apple’s new phones in today’s upcoming GD Newsletter. In the meantime, here’s a quote from Jony Ive in the iPhone 5S keynote video … “It’s not just rampant technology for technology sake. Every single component, every process has been considered and measured to make sure that it’s truly useful.” Now who could they be alluding to? (Here’s a hint.)

Gear Bits

Are You a Fool to Major in Psychology?

Every fall high school seniors start looking at colleges to attend. Part of that is deciding what major to pursue. For many that is a practical matter of employability, for others more a pursuit of passion. But regardless of your motivation, there are clearly some majors destined to make more or less money than others. NPR broke it all down. It was interesting reading some of the comments … or perhaps sad, as many would conflate earnings to overall value to society, which seems like something no one would really believe at this point. You can get the complete report…

Gear Bits

Who Wins in a Tech World When There Are No More Surprises?

Last week Apple made official the phones we knew they’d been planning to introduce. This came a week after Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 announcement, which a friend summed up as ‘exactly what we already knew’. No surprises from Moto X, HTC One, or Samsung Galaxy S4 either. All fantastic devices, but are we losing out because of spoiled surprises? Everyone made a huge deal about how the only surprise from the Apple announcement was the realization that the 5C was NOT the ‘low cost’ phone so many in the media had talked about, but instead the mid-range iPhone 5 replacement….

Gear Bits

What’s Red, White or Black and Filled with Sound?

speeCup may look like a cup of coffee, but this cup is filled with sound. Available in red, white, or black the $129.95 speeCup is a Siri/S Voice enabled Bluetooth surround sound speaker with gesture control. 8” tall, it has a noise canceling microphone, top mounted controls and up to 20 hours of use per charge. Check it out.

Gear Bits

Feed your Child’s Imagination with FarFaria’s Digital Library

FarFaria is a children’s book app for the iPad that has made reading to your children at bedtime easier than ever. FarFaria is packed with over 450 full-color children’s stories for kids aged 2-9. FarFaria is free to download, and you can read one full book per day; a $3.99 monthly subscription will get you access to unlimited reading. Using an interactive story discovery experience, FarFaria allows children to browse the exciting, colorful world of many areas. The areas inside the world of FarFaria include the Animal Kingdom, Adventure Island, Fairytale Forest, Classics Grove, Singalong City, and more. As one…

Gear Bits

13.56 Multifunctional NFC Wristband Hits Kickstarter Today

This is a pretty cool concept for all those NFC fanatics out there. This wristband, designed by ThirteenFiftySix out of Spain, can control many functions of your smartphone including turning off your alarm, unlocking the phone, unlocking private folders, sharing your contact information, controlling your music, and more. A £25 pledge will land you an NFC wristband of your own. Also, for a very limited time, the first 200 backers who choose the “Pay What You Wish” category can pay whatever they think is fair for the 13.56 NFC wristband. This wristband seems to have unlimited possibilities since the NFC technology…

Travel

Come Explore King’s Landing (Dubrovnik) During Game of Thrones Season 4 Filming

Do you watch Game of Thrones on HBO? Kev and I love the books by Gorge R. R. Martin as well as the television series based on them, so an added bonus to our recent trip to Dubrovnik (arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world) was that we knew we might recognize some of the locations from the show. Are you a fan? Then this post is for you! Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a medieval walled city located on the coast of Croatia, and since season two it has been used for various locations in Game of…

Reviews

Everki Atlas Checkpoint Friendly Backpack Review – a Wearable Mobile Office

Traveling for business is a common occurrence in today’s world. That travel requires lugging a computer and other devices which makes checking baggage difficult. Everki has become the default for designing stylish gear bags with tons of functionality that are checkpoint friendly while traveling. The Atlas, at $169.99, is one of the newest offerings to the Everki lineup. The Atlas backpack joins an already awesome line of checkpoint friendly gear bag options. Airport checkpoints can often ruin a trip before it has started, so a bag option to alleviate this problem can be important. The laptop compartment opens up 180…

Game Diary, Reviews

Exploring the World of Gothic II Gold – a Retro Romp Review

I was surprised I never did a netbook gamer review of Gothic II Gold. Why surprised? Because it is in my ‘Top 5’ games, and I have played yearly since 2003. It is a huge, open-world, story-based fantasy RPG full of Orcs, Goblins, Mages, dragons and an intriguing plot. The game remains amazing to play and one of my favorites. Type of app: Role-playing (RPG) game Platform/where to buy: PC; available in the GoG.com Store Developer: Piranha Bytes Description: What’s cool about it: – Includes Gothic II and the expansion pack Night of the Raven – A great variety of…

Vehicles & Gear

GM Debuts All-New 2015 Full-size SUVs

General Motors has finally taken the wraps off its next-generation full-size SUVs as they introduce the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL in a trio of events Thursday. Designed to demonstrate the automaker’s leadership in the segment, the new models show off new styling, new technologies and new powertrains. While GM held separate events on each coast to introduce its newest Chevrolet and GMC full-size SUV models, they brought the family together for a global family launch party in Dallas, Texas, not 20 miles from the Arlington Assembly Plant where they will be…

Gear Bits

Businessweek Clarifies the Twitter IPO News So You’ll Sound Smarter Discussing It

Confused about the Twitter IPO? Don’t know an S-1 from a 5s? Trying to figure out how Twitter makes money? You’re not alone! Businessweek has a clear rundown on the broad details surrounding why Twitter waited to go public, why they’re filing confidentially, and when you can expect to get all the details on how the company makes money. We don’t know a whole lot beyond Twitter’s now-infamous tweet, but this article cuts through some of the conjecture and will make you sound smarter at this week’s quiz night.

Game Diary, Reviews

The Island: Castaway 2 HD for iPad Review

The Island: Castaway was a surprisingly fun blend of strategy and simulation, and the sequel takes you back to the island before the original castaways landed. You need to uncover a mystery as you learn loads of skills and recipes. It is better and more fun than the original, providing hours of fun and tons of new things to do! Type of app: Simulation game Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Awem / G5 Entertainment Description: The Island: Castaway 2 has loads of content, including: – A huge, colorful island to…

Game Diary, Reviews

Disney Infinity Review on PlayStation 3 – Imaginative and Addictive Fun

Disney Infinity synergizes action figures and video games in fun, creative ways with limitless options, future expansions/collaborations, and creative gameplay. The game expands interactivity by “syncing” physical pieces with the video game. The Hype Introducing Disney Infinity, a unique toy based video game where a spark of imagination unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar characters in their respective worlds like never before. Game features include: extreme game customization and character mingling in ‘Toy Box’ mode, the inclusion of everything needed for initial play including the base peripheral and three initial character figures, multiple virtual…

Game Diary, News & Features

Legend of Dungeon Launches for Mac/PC/Linux on Steam Today!

I wrote about the Kickstarter and early development of Legend of Dungeon, noting the title made me roll my eyes – but the trailer made me smile! I called it “a classic, lo-fi dungeon-crawling, rogue-like, real-time, beat-em-up, co-op romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously?” I’ve played some and it is fun, and now it’s available on Steam for $9.99! Here is the basic description: As you journey deep into the dungeon, you will find weapons, items, and long forgotten magic.. ..if you’re lucky, it might help you to fight off the droves of mysterious creatures you will encounter. There…

Gear Bits

Didn’t You Say That You Wanted a Super Awesome Martian Smart Watch?

Dan and I met with Martian Watch while at CES, and it was one of our Top CES Picks. A smart watch that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, the Martian Watch doesn’t have its own operating system, rather it connects to your smartphone and uses voice control. If you are intrigued, you can now buy one! Get yours here.

Reviews

Rechargeable BlueFlame Slingshot Bluetooth Speaker Review – It Goes Anywhere!

BlueFlame has quite the repertoire of stylish accessories for you mobile needs. One such clever device is their Slingshot wireless, water-resistant speaker. At about $119, this speaker system packs a lot of sound in a small package and can fit into other BlueFlame Slings. Simply pop the speaker unit proper out of one Sling and slip into another. The BlueFlame Slingshot is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker that permits users to stream audio from a mobile device of choice while also permitting the reception of cell phone calls with its built-in microphone. Boasting increased bass response and improved sound quality…