2015

Will the Rumored Apple TV Be Too Pricey for the Set-Top Market?

We have and adore a Roku 3 hooked up to our TV. It has a slew of channels from Netflix to Amazon Prime to Disney Jr., plus some light games. A brand new Roku 3 with voice search clocks in at $99, and the compact streaming stick at $39.99. So is playing iTunes Videos worth the rumored $149 for the new Apple TV?


Project FI Community Site Answers Almost All Your Fi Questions

I’m in the process of evaluating Google’s new Project Fi service which promises to simplify cellular costs by charging only for what you’ve consumed, while also widening the coverage map by combining the data reach of both Sprint and T-Mobile. The service is intriguing-though not perfect.


Update: Native Union’s Goal is Protection Without Bulk With Their 360° iPhone 6 Case

There’s nothing like a new case, but there’s nothing like a new case that’s slim, sleek, and has just a LITTLE bit of individuality to it. We received Native Union’s latest Clic 360° protective case for the iPhone 6 Plus. Now first things first, when you get a case with the words 360° to it, you’d think that it protects from drops. When you check out the Clic 360° online they describe their case as “maximum protection, minimal bulk”, which I can believe as the case itself is sturdy and does protect both sides, including the top, but the one…


How Much Did My Local Library Membership Save Us This Summer?

I just went through my Amazon account, and determined I’ve read 25+ books this summer for free. Some of them were older titles, like Gear Diary Book Club selections, while others were relatively new. Plus issues of Consumer Reports and Runner’s World, all for free thanks to the local library. But how much did we really save?



The Nomad Roadtrip Charges Your Phone Both in the Car and Out

Picture a charger that plugs into your car’s DC connector; like any other charger you can plug a USB cable into it to top off your mobile device’s battery. Now picture that same charger out of your car, tucked into a pocket until you need to top off again. That’s what the Nomad Roadtrip can do.


Amazon Prime Video Adds Offline Viewing for iOS and Android!

Every time we take a road trip, Sarah and I have the same conversation: What movies/tv shows have we purchased for our son so he can be entertained on a long ride? We have a small library of shows and he’s usually pretty content to cycle through those. But we always lament that we can’t download from Amazon Prime…until now!


SCOSCHE boomBOTTLE+: Rugged, Waterproof, and Wireless Sound

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be plenty of opportunities to be outside listening to your favorite music. Rather than worrying that your favorite wireless speaker might get damaged by the elements, you can enjoy great sound with the rugged, waterproof, and wireless SCOSCHE boomBOTTLE+.


LUNATIK’s EPIK Watch Kit for the Ultimate Apple Watch Protection

You may have seen the LUNATIK EPIK on Kickstarter, but if you didn’t, here’s what you need to know: they’ve come up with the ultimate 42mm Apple Watch protective shell. Not only will EPIK keep your watch safe from dents, wings, and scratches, it will also make it look like a rugged beast that can withstand just about anything.


Bluelounge Kosta Is a Charging Coaster for Your Apple Watch

I bought my Apple Watch intending to return it before the two week trial period was over. I found I really like Apple’s first smartwatch and, as you might expect, I ended up keeping it. That means it’s time to accessorize. My first extra… the Bluelounge Kosta. It is a low-profile charging station that is simple as simple can be. As Bluelounge explains: “Charge your Apple Watch the way it’s meant to be charged. Kosta is a coaster that manages your existing Apple Watch charger giving your Apple Watch a convenient place to rest and recharge. Unlike other stands, Kosta…


Google Surprises Everyone with Android Wear on iOS

Do you use an iPhone but drool over the Moto 360? Or have you been eyeing up the beauty of the LG Urbane while staring forlornly at your 6+? Google has some good news for you: Android Wear is now available on iOS, though with some restrictions (both Google and Apple-related).



Griffin’s Reversible Premium Lighting Cable Will Power You Up

If you are reading the site it means you love your gadgets. And if your gadgets of choice come from Apple it means you need USB-to-Lightning cases to keep your mobile devices powered up. If you need USB-to-Lightning cables you’ll want to check out Griffin’s Reversible Premium Lighting Cable. They are a simple accessory that can make a huge difference.


Amazon Underground Aims to Deliver Truly Free Apps

Amazon has revamped their App Store, and in place of the “Free App of the Day”, there’s a segment called “Amazon Underground“. Silly name aside, this category consists of 100% free apps-no upfront cost, and ZERO in-app purchases! Amazon is eating the costs associated with freemium apps to boost their app downloads, and it is working on me!


Volvo: Proving the 60s Are Alive and Well!

This week was all about the 60s. Volvo Cars of North America is preparing to celebrate 60 years of bringing it’s Swedish-born vehicles to this continent. As part of the festivities the automaker is delivering some new 2016 models on the 60-series line–namely, the S60 Inscription sedan, the S60 Cross Country sedan, and the V60 Cross Country wagon.


Ditto By Simple Matters is Just That: Simple.

The Ditto By Simple Matters is true to its name in every single way. From the packaging, down to the day to day use of the device. But is that a good or a bad thing? When I received a copy to review, I will admit, I wasn’t immediately amused by it. The $39.99 Ditto comes in a pretty self-explanatory box showcasing the pebble like wearable that comes in either black or white. Once you unbox it, in your hand lies a piece of round plastic that’s light enough to leave on your shirt throughout the day and even though…


aLLreLi Dual USB Charger Review: Travel Ready USB Power

If I’m not careful, the number of cables and chargers by my bedside table can quickly spin out of control. My power strip gets overstuffed, and the various charging cables start to twine together like some kind of electronic rat king. I’ve been working hard to keep things streamlined, and the aLLreLi Dual USB charger is a huge help!


‘The Martian’ Is Setting a High Bar with Amazing Trailers

There’s a slew of awesome science fiction movies coming out this fall, but “The Martian” looks to be one of the most interesting. The basic premise is that we send a mission to Mars, and in the course of an emergency one of the astronauts is left stranded on the surface, scrounging to survive while awaiting rescue in 4 years.