July 2014

Seidio Innocell Plus Combo Review:

One of my daily tasks is finding power for my phone. It sounds so silly, but I use it so much, charging is a must. Since I do not sit at a desk for work, a battery case is a perfect option. Seidio Innocell Plus Combo brings 2X battery life and a nice holster for only $79.95. Let’s take a look. 


Snipe Kickstarter Campaign Cancelled Due to Conflict

I’ve been in Israel for the past week, and I have been witnessing the conflict firsthand. During this time, I have been one of the lucky ones; I’ve only had to run to a shelter three times with Iron Dome intercepting missiles that were headed toward us twice. Yes, it has been an interesting experience.


2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi of Tomorrow Is Here Today

I have driven all different sorts of vehicles in my life both privately and in public service, but I had never driven a taxi. I can now cross that one off the list, as Nissan recently sent me its Taxi of Tomorrow in the form of a New York City cab on the NV200 compact commercial van platform.


‘Wolfenstein The New Order’ Review for PlayStation 4

Wolfenstein The New Order continues as the ninth installment in the game series and a direct sequel to 2009’s Wolfenstein. This single-player, first person shooter experience features an unlimited weapon inventory amid an alternate world set in 1960 where the Nazis won World War II as a familiar U.S. OSA (Office of Secret Action) agent tries to stop the antagonists amid seven overall missions and several story chapters.


Preorder the Sony Xperia Z2 Verizon Exclusive

Verizon Wireless is now taking exclusive preorders for the upcoming Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, the slimmest and lightest 4G LTE tablet. This limited Xperia Z2 price will be $499.99 with a new two-year activation, and it will be available online and in Verizon stores starting July 17, 2014.


100,000 Miles of Memories in My Prius

My Toyota Prius and I hit a major milestone last night-100,000 miles! I have been counting down excitedly for months, and it hit me this morning why this means so much to me. It’s not about the mileage, but about the memories and amazing life changes that so many of those miles mean.


The Sprint LG G3 Is Ready for Your Calls

With a 5.5″ screen, the Sprint LG G3 is big, it’s 4G, and even though it’s available date was July 18th, now there’s no need to wait. If you’ve been lusting after this latest LG super-phone, you can get one — even in the Sprint exclusive ‘shine gold’ color option — today. “Our stores are stocked and the devices is available at sprint.com and by calling 1-800-Sprint1. Sprint is thrilled to get this amazing device into our customers hands even earlier than expected.” You can see the full list of specs for the Sprint LG G3 here; you can get one for $199.99 with a two…


Red Alert Israel: There’s Even an App for Incoming Missles

I am currently on a week-long trip in Israel sponsored by the American Israel Education Fund. Last night we got back from a dinner program only to have a Red Alert go off as missiles were inbound into Jerusalem from Gaza. This will be the reality during our stay I fear, and a new app — Red Alert Israel — will be a helpful guide.


The Pill Might Just Cure What Ails Your Golf Game

Like gearheads, fishermen, and cooks, golfers can’t ever seem to have too many gadgets, especially if they promise to help lower his or her score. The Pill is a new training aid that has a novel design to improve your game all the way from tee to green. Lord knows I need the help, so I gave it a try.



Life With the Sony Xperia Z2: One Headset to Rule Them All

While Judie and I were together last weekend, we discussed the features of the Sony Xperia Z2 we find most compelling. We both said we love the magnetic charging point that lets us quickly charge the phone. Having just flown to Israel, I have to say the built-in noise cancellation has now risen to the top of my list.


OtterBox Introduces Agility System for iPad Air & iPad MinI

It’s tough to travel anywhere in public and not encounter someone using an OtterBox case on their portable device. These bulky yet sturdy cases pioneered the shock-proof and drop-proof genre of case design.  I’ve found using an Otterbox is sometimes an acceptable substitute for insurance, since the protection afforded a device in an OtterBox seems to render it indestructible.


Are You Sure You Want to Post That Selfie?

Much fun has been had talking about how ridiculous and ubiquitous taking pictures of oneself, or “taking a selfie” has become. At a cool historical site? Take a selfie. Eating a fab meal while out with great friends? Take a selfie. Is it narcissistic? Sure! But we all do it, right? When is enough, enough? Well … There’s nothing wrong with snapping a memento when you are doing something fun, but there are definitely times when taking a quick selfie might be a bit much. 😉



Kinivo Bluetooth Car Kit Makes Your Hooptie Hands-Free

My car is a 2008 Yukon Denali XL, and while it has tons of bells and whistles, it doesn’t have a hands-free bluetooth hookup for calls or audio. I figured I’d have to wait until we eventually upgraded vehicles (not any time soon!) before I had that feature, but with the $45 Kinivo Bluetooth Car Kit, there is no need. Setting up the device is as simple as plugging the BTC455 directly into the auxiliary port on your stereo (assuming that your car stereo has at least that) and then plugging it into the volt outlet. Once that’s done, you’ll have hands-free streaming through your…


Huawei Ascend Mate2 Review: Big Phone Little Price

Are you someone who spends more time on your phone texting, emailing, checking social media, and surfing than you actually do making calls? I am, and that’s why I’m intrigued by some of the larger devices available today, including the new Huawei Ascend Mate2. This $299.99 phone with the 6.1 screen might allow you to leave your tablet at home!


Ok Google, Everywhere!

Last week Google rolled out a pretty big update to Google Now. Among those updates was a sneaky trick; if you have an Android 4.4 device, use Google Now to search “Ok Google Everywhere”. Now head to your Google Now settings and select “Ok Google detection”. You now have Google Now everywhere! Judie, Dan and I discovered this fun trick Sunday, and so far I haven’t noticed a major battery hit on my HTC One M8. It has prompted me to discover some very cool tricks that Google Now has up its sleeve. For example, this morning I was driving…


2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a Subie First

It’s hard to believe but some umpteen years after Prius landed on Plymouth Rock, there are automakers just now coming into the hybrid vehicle arena. Subaru is one such nameplate, recently launching its first hybrid gasoline/electric, and it arrives on one of the brand’s newest lines that is also becoming one of Subaru’s most popular models – the XV Crosstrek.


Ibattz Mojo Refuel Aqua S Battery Case for iPhone 5/5s Review

The ibattz Mojo Refuel Aqua S battery case for iPhone 5/5s is unique in a few regards. Firstly, it’s one of the very few waterproof iPhone cases out there with swappable batteries. Secondly, it comes with a bumper that allows you to use the battery pack itself without the waterproof outer shell. The ibattz Mojo Refuel Aqua retails for $119.95.


What eWallet Needs to Do to Stay on Our Devices

Judie and I were huge fans of eWallet from its earliest days, back when we used Palms; we synced the info on our Palms to the eWallet program on our desktop PCs. Later on we used eWallet on our Pocket PCs. Once the app became available for iOS, we loaded it onto our iPhones and eventually also on our Macs.


Pelican Progear Voyager Rugged Case for iPhone 5/5s Review

There are very few rugged cases that I truly enjoy using with my iPhone, but I can now say that the Pelican Progear Voyager case sits atop that list. Pelican’s sleek new rugged case protects your iPhone from drops and dust while also protecting your screen from scratches. This protective case can be found at AT&T for $50.00.