April 2015

Stratos Card Becomes the First All-in-One Connected Card to Ship

The Stratos Card has officially become the first all-in-one credit card solution to ship. The industry’s first membership-based connected card combines credit, debit, membership, gift, and other magnetic stripe cards into one digital device. The Stratos Card offers bank-level security and contains a proprietary Dual Stripe technology to ensure universal acceptance. Stratos Card membership starts at $95 per year.


At #IFA15GPC, Consumer Electronics and Home Appliance Trends Were Explored

I was part of a group of approximately 300 journalists attending the IFA 2015 Global Press Conference in Malta last week. Being my first time to attend, I had no idea what to expect, but I soon learned that it was all about showcasing upcoming consumer electronics, health tech, and home appliance trends by some of the companies responsible.


The SpiderPro Hand Strap is the Best Camera Accessory on the Market

The SpiderPro Hand Strap is a breakthrough product in the photography market. It’s an ergonomically designed hand strap that hugs your hand and allows you to comfortably hold your professional DSLR camera while taking photos, adjusting camera settings, or while looking for the perfect shot. The totally adjustable SpiderPro Hand Strap is brand new and retails for $65.


Alcatel’s Pop Astro Will Be Available Via T-Mobile Starting Today

This morning Alcatel OneTouch announced one of the most affordable LTE smartphones to date in the POP Astro. Interestingly named, the POP Astro will be exclusive to T-Mobile stores, and will be available online today for $0 down, and $6.24 over the course of two years, which is less that $150.



All In With Apple? You Need a Twelve South PlugBug World

My workflow is pretty much all Apple these days. I have an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPad Air 2, and a MacBook Pro. (I returned my 2015 MacBook but that’s another post.) For someone like me the Twelve South PlugBug World is an indispensable accessory. I charged my computer AND an iOS device at the same time. PlugBug World is a number of accessories in one. On the one hand it is a standalone 2.1-Amp USB wall charger for your iOS device. “Fast charge for your iPad: PlugBug World packs 2.1-Amp of charging power, which is enough to charge your iPad…



SpiderPro Hand Strap Camera-Carrying Accessory Is Now Available

The SpiderPro Hand Strap is an ingenious way to secure your expensive camera while shooting. It rests comfortably around your hand, allows for quick and easy access to your camera, and allows you to access controls on both the back and front of the camera without taking your hand out. The SpiderPro Hand Strap is now available for $65.


The New Swann ADS-466 All-Weather Wi-Fi Camera is Out Today

Swann has proven again that they’re one of the best names in simple home security by announcing their new ADS-466 Wi-Fi All-Weather Camera. This camera can be mounted any which way indoor or outdoors and delivers 720p quality video,  as well as audio through your home’s Wi-Fi network. The ADS-466 is available today at 2pm EST for $179.99.


ZAGG Introduces InvisibleShield HD for Apple Watch

I didn’t plan to order an Apple Watch, but that subtle pull toward all things Apple finally became too strong. I ordered the mid-tier model because I wanted the sapphire crystal, but having an extra layer of protection over the vulnerable glass is always a good thing. That’s why I’m glad ZAGG just introduced their  InvisibleShield HD for Apple Watch. The new product offers “High-Definition Clarity and Ultra-Durable Protective Film Protects the Apple Watch from Scratches and Impact Damage.”  Considering the price of even the least expensive Apple Watch the $14.99 product is a good insurance policy. The InvisibleShield HD…



Facebook Introduces Video Calling for Messenger

Facebook today introduces one-tap video calls within Messenger.  This comes hot on the heels of Messenger money transfer, Messenger for Business, and Messenger platform announcements. It’s rather easy to see that Facebook views instant messaging as an important social networking tool. They’ve circled the wagons to be sure that competitors won’t be able to pick off appreciable numbers of users.  


Inateck HB4008 Portable USB3.0 Hub For (Work) Life in the Fast Lane

Too many peripherals and not enough USB ports. Sound familiar? That is what I had been facing in my home computer station on a daily basis with my iMac, until Inateck sent me its new Portable USB3.0 Hub, which has an integrated SD card reader. This device works with PCs, laptops, Tablet PCs and Ultrabooks, and it works great.


A Week with Alcatel’s OneTouch Idol 3 Smartphone

You’ve read a few articles we’ve written about the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, but we finally have a hands-on sample to review and enjoy. Alcatel’s flagship phone is a beauty. I received it at my doorstep about a week ago to the day, and I’ve had the pleasure of using a T-Mobile SIM card, and I’m super excited about it.


Twelve South HiRise Deluxe Is a Must-Have iOS Accessory

I love my iPhone 6 Plus but find the battery to be lacking. I’ve tried a host of settings tweaks to optimize battery life but still run low by early afternoon. Having a strategically-placed charging dock is key for me. The Twelve South HiRise Deluxe is just such a charging dock. I reviewed the original HiRise and was impressed. This deluxe model takes things to an entirely new level. I love it! Here’s what Twelve South has to say about it: “HiRise Deluxe is a beautiful metal pedestal for charging and hands-free use of your iPhone or iPad. Set HiRise…


The OLIVERS Brief Will Let You “Think Outside the Boxer”

I’ve backed some great- and some not so great- products on Kickstarter. This time out is something that I think will stand out from the crowd. No, it’s not a tech project but rather it is a clothing project that brings technical know-how to an everyday garment. The OLIVERS Brief promises to be an uber-comfy boxer brief. As the project page explains, “The cotton boxer brief is a relic, badly in need of an update. There’s good news, however – we spent the past year building the perfect replacement.” The fact is, cotton is a terrible performance fabric and is…


Google’s Nexus 7 Discontinued

If you’re in the market for a 7″ Android tablet which spontaneously powers down – I’ve got bad news. Google’s Nexus 7 Android tablet is now listed as ‘not available’ on their store. The Nexus 7 was first released July 2012 and subsequently updated July 2013 to a 2013 model.  The device’s primary feature was the pure Android underpinnings. The Nexus 9 is the last Google Nexus pure Android tablet offering .


Amzer Kristal Edge2Edge Black Screen Protector for iPhone 6 Plus

I like to keep my iPhone as pristine as possible both for the sake of aesthetics and resale value. That means I almost always have my phone in a case. It also means I ALWAYS have a tempered glass screen protector on it. The Amzer Kristal Edge2Edge Black Screen Protector for iPhone 6 Plus is a great option and offers an added twist. The HD Screen protector offers edge to edge protection.” It has an oleophobic coating, is fingerprint proof, offers 9H protection and is easy to install. And because it is just 0.3mm thick you will barely know it is there….


Netflix’s New Movie, TV Show Arrivals, and Departures for May 2015

So as you know, every month Netflix adds a couple of new movies to their queue, and also removes quite a few as well. Here is a list of the content that the online streaming service will offer up for the upcoming month of May:     Available May 1 Beyond Clueless (2014) Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013) Legally Blonde (2001) Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003) Longmire: Season 3 No No: A Dockumentary (2014) Shameless: Series 10 The Last Waltz (1978) The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005) Underclassman (2015) Witnesses: Season 1 Available May…


Mitsubishi Outlander Sport-Fun to Drive, But a Fail as a Family Hauler

I have reviewed several cars for Gear Diary, and they’re usually my favorite reviews to do. Cars are probably the biggest purchase most people make, besides a house, and they are technological tools as much as they are transportation methods. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport excels in one of these areas and fails miserably in the other!