February 2014


2014 Acura MDX is All New from the Ground Up

I know what you did last summer, Acura. You brought to market the all-new 2014 MDX luxury crossover, your best-selling vehicle for all of last year. You made the new model more comfortable and more fuel-efficient while giving it better performance and yet you managed to keep it one of the best values in the segment.


Want Better Audio from Your iOS Device? Get the Zoom iQ5 and Get Recording

If you want to record better audio with your iOS device, or have better-sounding videos shot with an iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to check out the new Zoom iQ5. Designed specifically for iOS devices with a Lightning connector, it adds a great-quality microphone to your mobile device for under $100. Check out both our video demos of the iQ5.



Keep Your Pebble Extra Pebbly with SlickWraps

When Pebble announced the new Pebble App Store I was intrigued. I was an original backer of the Pebble but sold mine when it came. I went out and picked up a new one and realized I needed to find a way to keep it from scratching. That’s where SlickWraps Pebble Watch Color Series Matte Black protection came in.



Sno Brum Review – a Must for Snowy Winters

We have had an unusually high amount of snow in my area this winter. It means I’ve spent what felt like hours cleaning off our cars, but hopefully cleaning off our vehicles will be a bit easier with our newest purchase — a Sno Brum!


Eschalon Book III Launches on Steam, GoG, and Official Site!

There are a few developers who have driven indie RPG development for the past several years – Spiderweb Software, Soldak Entertainment and Basilisk Games. Basilisk released the stunning Eschalon Book I in 2007, and followed up with Book II. Now they are back with the finale, available on GoG.com, Steam and Basilisk.


Roland Introduces the Aira Line and Four New Pieces of Synth Gear!

If you ask anyone involved with electronic music during the digital age to name an instrument – it would be the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine. The sounds appear on countless songs from the last 30+ years, and vintage systems sell for steep prices. Now Roland is back with the Aira line that is both classic and modern.


Protect Your iPod touch with the iFrogz Luxe Lean

Apple may call the iPod a product line in decline, but I still love my 5th generation iPod touch. It’s my main music device and, when I’m home, it sees more use than my iPhone. When the iFrogz Luxe Lean Case for iPod touch 5th Generation went on sale for under $5, I grabbed one of the thin, light cases.


The Definitive Opinion on Michael Sam, Straight from Texas

Civil rights and courage go hand in hand. It takes courage to stand up and say “I am a gay man and I play football” like Michael Sam did just last week. He’s taking a risk with his career, challenging the internalized homophobia of professional sports, and he’s getting help from an unlikely source: Dallas sports anchor Dale Hansen.


The jimmyCASE iPhone 5S Case/Wallet Combo

Tired of using an iPhone case that looks like every other iPhone case? Check out the jimmyCASE. Looking for an iPhone case that can double as a minimalist wallet without trying too hard? Check out the jimmyCASE. Handmade in Los Angeles, the $39 case is also available for the iPhone 5C, iPhone 4S and Samsung GALAXY S4.


Skype Messaging Sync Goes Live

Skype audio seems to blow away voice quality on any similar VOIP solution yet I’ve been a big Skype user. It mostly seems like a relic of the past which is largely used for communication between users in different companies. Skype users have long complained that in the era of multiple devices that Skype is far behind because it doesn’t synchronize alerts between all devices.


Youtube Explodes with Excitement as Titanfall Beta Footage is Released

Titanfall’s developer, Respawn, held a media event last week in London, but there was an embargo on all video and impressions that expired yesterday.  You can guess what happened yesterday as TONS of videos and commentary showing footage from this weekend’s beta build flooded the interwebs.  Past the break, you’ll find a few choice links for your viewing pleasure.


BlackBerry Aspires to Be the Porsche of Smartphones

Interesting quote of the day from BlackBerry CEO John Chen, who is quoted as implying that apps don’t matter, that BlackBerry could be the Porsche of smartphones. Does history teach people anything? Perhaps I’ve been dozing the past two years as BlackBerry market share has completely nose-dived – largely due to a lack of applications.


BBM 2.0 Rolling Out to iOS and Android

If you’re a BlackBerry Messenger (aka BBM) user on iOS or Android, then the newest update – version 2.0 – is going to bring some welcome enhancements. Beginning today you can participate in BBM voice calling, BBM Channels, location sharing (powered by Glympse), pictures, voice notes, attachments and even DropBox. BBM groups can now be up to 50 people in total size. More info – BBM


First Impressions of the Lumia Black/GDR3 Update for the Nokia Lumia 928

I’ve overall been quite pleased with my Lumia 928 Windows Phone. In fact, almost all of my complaints are hardware and not software related (the screen is far too fragile, and the phone has some earpiece issues). What I like about the software is that it’s constantly improving, and the new Nokia Black/Microsoft GDR3 update brings some excellent new features!


2014 Dodge Avenger – Blacktop is the new Black Tie

Despite hitting a setback in sales volume due to winter weather recently, the midsize sedan market is a hot segment. Consider the competition: Accord, Camry, Fusion, Malibu and Avenger. In an attempt to make its car more populous in driveways than rental fleet lots, Dodge offers special edition Avengers such as this 2014 Dodge Avenger Blacktop.


Audiovox inSite Separation Alarm Review – Perfect for the Forgetful

Audiovox’s inSite Separation Alarm is just that, a device that alerts you when the tag has been separated from your smartphone by a certain distance.  This super slim device can fit in your wallet or more easily, on your keys.  The inSite might be perfect for those who are always leaving their valuables behind.  The inSite sells for $29.99.


The Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case for iPad Mini Retina Review

Since returning from CES, my iPad mini has been inside a green Moshi VersaCover Mini Origami Case. Why did I set aside my leather Orbino for a much less “fancy” case? Simply put, the VersaCover Mini Origami case offers the lightest and most versatile protection I’ve yet found; it also makes my iPad mini easier to use.


Titanfall has Opened Beta Testing Signups for PC and Xbox One

Respawn has just opened up Titanfall Beta testing signups on the PC and Xbox One; apologies to those with an Xbox 360.  Titanfall’s website says that seats in the Beta are limited and if chosen, you’ll be emailed with further information “no later than 11:59 PM PST on Feb 17th.”  Sign up at Titanfall’s website for a chance to play!