2014


Ford EPA Mileage Ratings Revised (Again)

I was going to bring readers yet another review this morning, but instead wanted to update information presented in a recent piece about some Ford vehicles we tested. Apparently Ford has had to revise EPA mileage ratings for some of its vehicles again — including 2014 model year Fiestas and 2013 and 2014 model year hybrids and plug-in hybrids.


Sony SmartBand SWR10 First Look Video

The Sony SmartBand SWR10 is Sony’s current fitness band offering. Specifically designed to work with phones like my Xperia Z2, it also works with a number of other Android devices. Available in a variety of colors, the Smartband works in tandem with the Lifelog App to record your activity and much more. I got mine yesterday, and I’m already impressed.





Amazon Launches Prime Music Streaming Service!

Last month Carly noted some of the reasons that Prime Music as rumored – limited selection, older titles – made sense in the context of the other Prime offerings. Well, overnight Amazon introduced Prime with access to a million songs and hundreds of curated playlists. The depth and breadth are limited, but it provides a decent entry point.


Looking for the Fastest Mobile Network? PC Mag Has Some Answers

As more and more of us rely upon our mobile devices for all our online needs, having solid and fast mobile network is more important than ever. PC Mag hit the road to find out which networks perform fastest and where. The results aren’t as complete as we might like; still there is much to learn from them.


Element Case Soft-Tec Ducati Folio for iPad Mini – Hot Protection!

I was impressed by the Element Case Soft-Tec Ducati Folio for iPad Air when I reviewed it last month. The folio case, which sports the co-branding of Element Case and Ducati, looks great, offers terrific protection and includes an integrated stand. Thanks to Element Case we also had a chance to check out the version for the iPad Mini.




Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice Upgrades eBooks to Audiobooks

Amazon may come under fire for their dominant position in ebooks, but they are number one for more reasons than just price aggression. Not all retailers can leverage the various versions of books to their advantage like Amazon can, and they’re showcasing it with their new “Whispersync for Voice” upgrades program.


Sony E3 2014 – “It’s All About the Games!”

At Sony E3 2014, the concentration was apparent from the beginning – games! “After all guys,” Shawn Layden, the new head of PlayStation America said near the end of the presentation, “it’s all about the games, isn’t it?” Some serious gear and service announcement where also made including a “glacial white” 500 GB PlayStation 4 bundle including the upcoming sci-fi space shooter Destiny from developer Bungie (HALO) and publisher Activision will release on September 9.



Case Logic SnapView Folio for iPad Mini Review

If you are looking for a folio-style case that looks good, protects well and won’t break the bank you’ll want to check out the Case Logic SnapView Folio for iPad Mini. This case, which combines a synthetic book-style cover and a protective polycarbonate shell, serves up just enough protection and functionality to make it worth consideration.


2014 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks: Big, Brawny, Beautiful

It has hardly been a year since I last reviewed the Ram Heavy Duty pickup models, and at that time I spoke of the never-ending competition between the big three truck makers. This year nothing has changed as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ram have upped the ante yet again with the 2014 Ram lineup of 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.


Microsoft E3 2014 – Presentation Summary

Microsoft E3 2014 brought some serious game to consumers! Microsoft devoted this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) presentation (a.k.a. global media briefing) to games, while taking pride in their recent Xbox One console price drop to $399 (without the Kinect sensor). Exclusive Xbox One games were plentiful while HALO fans can look forward to several games by year’s end.


Replace Your Pebble Steel Strap with Gorgeous Natural Leather

If you’ve got a Pebble Steel, then you know that the bands that ship with it are not awesome; due to the Pebble’s odd lugs, finding replacement straps is tricky. The Pebble watch is awesome, and it deserves a better strap. I am extremely glad to have found an Etsy seller who makes a gorgeous natural leather Pebble Steel strap.


Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 – Wooden Elegance

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a powerful smartphone that has Samsung at the top of their game. A device this powerful and feature-packed deserves better than the cheap plastic case Samsung continues to insist upon using. The Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 helps correct this shortcoming. It looks great and protects in the process.


Monster Superstar Bluetooth Speaker is Small, Colorful and Impressive

Monster Products (aka Monster Headphones) make an assortment of fashionable headphones that actually sound great. The company now offers a number of speakers. The Monster Superstar High Definition Bluetooth Speaker is one such offering. It is a small, colorful speaker that actually sounds surprisingly good. Currently available for under $130, it lets you take Monster Music on the go.


Duracell GoPower Wireless Charging Kit Review – Powerful Stuff!

It seems that I can almost always categorize my iPhone’s status as either “charging” or “needing to charge”. Being a mobile user is rough on my battery life! I recently got the chance to review the Duracell GoPower Wireless Charging Kit. Not only is it a battery case, but also includes wireless charging. The kit only costs $119.95 from Apple.