January 2015


The Negative Aspect of Software in Smartphones and Other Devices

There are some negative aspects to using embedded software in hardware.  A few sites have written that about how phones or tablets still on Android versions below 4.4 are at risk for a vulnerability in the default browser. Don’t blame Google for this; blame the OEMs and carriers, as Google fixed the issue. However, there’s much more to this story.


Handle This Cup Aims to Solve the Problem of Warm Beer

Regular readers of Gear Diary may remember that I’ve mentioned before that I played a lot of rugby in my college/post college years. Besides blood and dirt, the defining substance of rugby is probably beer. Ruggers love their beer. So the Handle This Cup Kickstarter project has my attention as a way to hold beer AND keep it cold!



Dell Updates Latitude Portfolio with New Processors and Technology!

Last week I mentioned some of Dell’s exciting highlights from CES. I overlooked some more in-depth details specific to how the Latitude line-up has broadened its appeal and updated all of the systems in the product portfolio. The changes made impact the Latitude 13 7000 Series 2-in-1, Latitude 7000 Series, Latitude 5000 Series and Latitude 3000 Series.


A MacBook/iPad User’s Take on the Toshiba Chromebook 2

This post about the Toshiba Chromebook 2 has been a long time coming. It isn’t because I don’t like the machine. I do. Rather, it has taken time because I tried to see how it might fit into my workflow. I’ve come away from the experience impressed by what Google and Toshiba have done. Still, I need to come clean…


How Does Your Social Media Usage Compare to ‘The Norm’? How about a Teen?

Every year in recent memory, we have gotten information about the trends of social media sites and apps amongst different age groups. This year we learned about how Facebook isn’t really growing in numbers but is deepening engagement. At the same time a post on Medium called “A Teenager’s View on Social Media” went viral. How do you compare?


Proof That All Country Songs Are the Same

Has it REALLY been more than 4 years since I posted this video showing how Ke$sha’s Tik Tok, Katy Perry’s California Gurls, and Miley Cyrus’ Permanent December were all basically the same song? Well, now Sir Mashalot has taken on country music, with a mashup of 6 popular songs including artists such as Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan.


The LG G Flex 2 Has Curvalicious Android Appeal

Remember when phone handsets were all curved so that they would comfortably fit at your mouth and ear? LG does, and their new LG G Flex 2 not only offers this same comfortable ear and mouth curve, it’s also a fully loaded Android smartphone that feels great in hand. You can check out my video with LG’s Ethan Walsh here.


ZEROHOUR RELIC XR Tactical LED Flashlight is a Kickstarter Superstar

Reaching its Kickstarter goal in 16 hours, ZEROHOUR‘s RELIC XR Tactical LED Flashlight was quite literally, an overnight success.  This kickass-looking device is a USB rechargeable flashlight and waterproof battery backup in one.  Not only is this flashlight waterproof, it’s constructed with aircraft aluminum.  There’s still time to pledge at least $120 to secure your own at their Kickstarter campaign.


NFL Homegating App Is Ready for Your Super Bowl 49 Party!

This weekend in football, we have conference championships that will decide who goes to the Super Bowl. These are all popular teams – New England, Indianapolis, Seattle and Green Bay – so you can be sure there’ll be plenty of gatherings either at bars or in people’s homes. If you’re planning a party – the Homegating app has you covered!


Google Glass Explorer Program Is Dead

Today Google announced the winding down of its Glass Explorer program.  As you may know, this is the program where early adopters paid $1,500 for the privilege of looking like a cyborg while wearing experimental Google Glass. Though Google claims Glass is still on track for a consumer version (at some unknown time in the future), project prospects appear dim.


Adobe Releases Lightroom Mobile for Android: First Impressions

Since smartphones are the most popular cameras (because they go with us pretty much everywhere), it makes sense that as their image capture technology improves, so would the tools available for editing and sharing. Today Adobe announced that they were bringing their critically acclaimed photo editing platform to Android phones, and they are releasing Adobe Lightroom Mobile for Android!



Nexus 6 Shortage Appears to Be Over

  Last week I sold my Moto X 2014 on Swappa in anticipation of receiving a Nexus 6 I  from the Google Play store. The Nexus 6 has been in short supply and often is available only for a few hours at a time on Google’s site. Devices are often available each Wednesday but only recently have they stayed in stock more than a day.


Get Ready for SamBerry: Is Samsung About to Buy Blackberry?

Rumors are swirling from CNBC that Samsung is looking to snatch up Blackberry for their patent portfolio (and presumably whatever positive goodwill still exists in the Blackberry name). Several suitors have been rumored for Blackberry, but Samsung certainly has the cash, and the incentive in the form of their ongoing arms race with Apple.


Nintendo Announces Updated 3DS XL for February 13th Release and $199 Price!

Rumors of a new Nintendo 3DS coming this year were confirmed by Reggie Fils-Aime in a Nintendo Direct presentation. The updated 3DS XL version adds significant hardware and software interoperability improvements, allowing new game capabilities and unlocking possibilities in existing games! It arrives on February 13th in red or black for $199, as well as in $229 game bundles!


2015 North American International Auto Show Photo Gallery

There was so much to see and do at the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. Press days precede the official opening of the show to the public which runs Jan. 17-25 this year. Automakers from around the globe bring their newest production cars, trucks, SUVs, CUVs, EVs and just about every other V(ehicle) in their arsenal.


Mike’s Oscar Nom Picks Before Thursday Jan. 15 Announcement

Get your Academy Award nomination (and win) picks ready for all those Oscar contests and office pools. Here are my picks for this year’s Oscars (a.k.a. Academy Awards) for films released in 2014. Look for prominent first-time nominees, possible double nominations, and a long-time cinematography nod. Nominations will officially announce all 24 categories live on Thursday, January, 15.



2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Video from NAIAS

The third vehicle debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor which will utilize the aluminum construction found in the new 2015 F-150 and the Raptor will see a new beefy next-generation EcoBoost engine and new 10-speed automatic transmission. For more information see our story from the show.