Retro Games and Their Greatest Lesson
Remember the rainy days and long nights spent sitting in front of a small, glowing cube that weighed more than you while clutching a small rectangular controller? I do.
2019
Sparky’s Scared of the Varram Pet Fitness Robot
Maybe I just have an awkward puppy, but Sparky is one of those pets that you’d consider a “chewer.” So when introducing him to the “Varram” — a “robot for pets” — it seemed that Sparky was more annoyed by it than excited.
Nomad’s Ready to Protect Your 2019 iPhone
For the fourth year in a row, Nomad is ready to protect your new iPhone. Many of the cases build on time-tested designs with iterative improvements to already-great cases. Of course, Nomad is also throwing something new into the mix of their new cases for the 2019 iPhones.
Gear Diary’s Best of IFA 2019 Awards
Berlin’s annual IFA show is the largest consumer electronics event in Europe with “more digital lifestyle products in one place than any other show worldwide.” After walking the show floor, sitting in on private pre-briefings, standing inside packed press conferences, and attending media-only showcase events, these are the items we’ve chosen for Gear Diary’s Best of IFA 2019 Awards.
Activ5’s Portable Workout Device — Hit or Miss?
The Activ5 was first announced way back at CES 2017 as the “tiny gym in your pocket.” While the slogan is fantastic, there’s only one question I really have — can it actually work?
RHA T20 Wireless In-Ear Headphones Have DualCoil Technology and More
RHA came on the scene rather quietly but over time has won a large, growing fan base. Their new T20 Wireless headphones will only help further solidify RHA’s position as a top-tier audio company; they sound great and have unique features that will impress.
Samsung Galaxy Fold Hits the USA Market Soon!
When Samsung pulled the Galaxy Fold due to some issues with the hinge, they promised that — like Arnold in Terminator — it would be back, and it is!
Roku Launches Pre-Orders for New Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer
Roku, long known for their streaming devices, has decided to up the ante in the audio market by introducing the new Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku Wireless Subwoofer. The Smart Soundbar is said to produce excellent sound on its own, but the new Wireless Subwoofer should a punch of bass. Preorders are open now on Roku.com for October 2019 shipping.
LG G8X ThinQ and DualScreen Case Make for a Practical Dual-Screen Folding Phone
Until folding phones manufacturers are able to sort out all their devices’ inherent issues, we can look to LG and their Dual Screen solution which we first saw on the V50 ThinQ at MWC. That Dual Screen case option wasn’t available in the US, however. Now we have the LG G8X ThinQ, and yes — it’s coming to the US!
Star Wars Classic Games Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy Headed to the Nintendo Switch!
It has been nearly eighteen years since release and almost a decade since my ‘Netbook Gamer’ retro-reviews here, but my love for the Jedi Knight games from Raven Software has not waned and I replay them at least annually. Now I will have to make more time for these playthroughs because Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy are coming to the Nintendo Switch!
Withings Move ECG – Detect Atrial Fibrillation So You Can Rest Easy
We love the way that Withings keeps adding value to their smartwatch line, and the Withings Move ECG is the latest iteration here to help you track your steps, sleep, exercise, heart rate, and your ECG.
#909Day Continues as Roland Announces New Hybrid JU-06A Boutique Synth!
One of the first of the Roland Boutique series was the JU-06, recreating the classic Juno-106 synth (one of my personal favorites that I constantly regret selling) – but after a quick run it was also the first one pulled off the market. So I was thrilled to hear that for 909Day Roland is releasing an updated version that includes not just the Juno 106, but also the Juno 6 and Juno 60!
Roland Ups the Ante on #909Day with New Additions to their Flagship Jupiter-X Series!
Even before the 808 and 909 changed the face of rhythm production, Roland had many legendary and iconic products including the early entries of the JUPITER series.
Roland Announces Powerful New FANTOM Keyboards for #909Day!
Two of Roland’s most influential early products are the TR-808 and TR-909 Rhythm Composers, and each year on August 8th (808) and September 9th (909) the community celebrates by sharing favorites created with the classic tools and Roland offers great sales and launches awesome new products. This year is no exception, and we are covering each of the new products separately.
Sonos Move Is a Portable Smart Speaker That Sounds Just as Good Indoors as Outside
Sonos has become a leader in home audio for those who want great sound throughout their home. Sonos systems are not only easy to set up, but they are also intelligent, connected, and beautifully designed. The one thing missing from their line-up was a portable Bluetooth speaker; today that gets rectified with the Sonos Move.
Roland Introduces the MC-707 and MC-101 Production Platforms for #909Day
Continuing the September 9th tradition of new product launches, Roland has announced two new GROOVEBOX products that reintroduce a concept they pioneered back in 1996 and that remains relevant with artists today.
TCL Rolls Out New Phones and Smartwatches at IFA
TCL may not be top of mind for smartphones and smartwatches, but they’re hoping to be with a new smartphone and a smartwatch aimed at seniors, both debuting at IFA this week!
JBL’s New Speakers Will Put Your Ears in a Party Mood
JBL has a solid reputation for making some of the best audio products you can buy. For IFA 2019, they’ve unleashed a Pulse update, three new soundbars, and two new LINK Google-Assistant speakers.
Signify Announces New Philips Hue Smart Lighting Products
Signify, the world leader in lighting took to IFA to announce a few new Philips Hue lighting products including an updated version of the Hue Go, the Philips Hue Smart Button, a Hue Smart Plus and even two candle bulbs.
Lenovo Smartens Their Devices and Your Home with a Slate of New Tablets, Computers, and More!
The folks at Lenovo pop out so many amazing devices, I’m starting to think they never sleep. Every few months, they’re taking products that already made you go “Whoa…” and making them even better. New Yoga laptops, tablets, all-in-ones, and monitors are redefining what to expect from your computing arsenal!
Austere’s Stylish A/V Accessories Are Now Available
A few months ago we wrote about Austere, a new A/V accessory company. Austere Describes their products as delivering “more than what’s expected, from design to performance.” Their products are pricey but look great. After that post, Judie and I had a chance to check out their offerings; we were impressed.