2014

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.


Think Tank Photo Airport Roller Derby Is Good For Pros and the Rest of Us

The Think Tank Photo Airport Roller Derby is designed for use by professional photographers who need to carry and protect a significant collection of gear. Thing is, the excellent AND flexible design of this bag makes it a good option for pretty much anyone who travels a lot. At just under $390 it is pricey, but it is equally impressive.


NOT Your Childhood Slip n Slide

  I have fond memories of zipping down the slight hill in our backyard on a slip n slide, but we never did anything beyond gentle landings. This video popped up recently on Facebook, and while I can’t say I would try this, I am impressed with the people who did!   What about you? Are you ready to try this? 😉


This Video Makes Me Want to Buy a Hyundai

There are stunts and then there are stunts. This video shows a real-world stunt that’s proves the power of Hyundai’s tech. Seriously… Watch the video, and then try to deny that some small part of you wants to go buy a Hyundai Genesis RIGHT NOW. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EPTIXldrq3Q Via Jalopnik



Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Briefcase 15 Is Organizational Heaven

I was thrilled when Think Tank Photo introduced their ‘My 2nd Brain’ line of bags. I love the company’s camera bags and really like the way their have applied their expertise to laptop and tablet bags. The first offerings in the line were North/South bags while their new Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Briefcase takes the more familiar East/West approach.


WokMon Aims to Revolutionize Stir-frying at Home

Admit it, you probably got at least one wok as a wedding present or a random gift from somebody who exalts the health benefits of stir-frying. And now it’s taking up a lot of space in a cupboard or closet because you never figured out how to cook with a round wok on a flat stovetop. WokMon can help out!


Chumby Lives!

Here is super exciting news for lovers of the presumed defunct Chumby. If you’re not a Chumby chaser – it is a consumer electronics product formerly made by Chumby Industries, Inc. It is an embedded computer which provides Internet and LAN access via a Wi-Fi connection. Through this connection, the Chumby runs various software widgets.