Articles by Gear Diary Staff

Editorials January 11, 2013

How Well Do You Trust Online Reviews?

Image courtesy of XKCD I recently read a very interesting post by Andrew Leonard about online reviews, and attempts by software companies to (as we say in the high tech world) productize them. The question is valid: In an online world with an overwhelming wealth of information about almost everything, how do you weigh reviews and make a buying decision? Certainly the online world is swamped in reviews. But in my view, there’s a huge problem with reviews on the Web. There are almost always just two types: The rave, and the pan. That is, either you see posts that…

Events, News & Features January 9, 2013

Stay Connected With ConnecteDevice’s COOKOO Watch

ConnecteDevice Ltd, an unpronounceable global tech company, has just announced the worldwide launch of its COOKOO™ connected watches. These designer devices combine standard analog movement with a connected digital display to keep people updated to the happenings on their iOS smartphones. Incoming and missed calls, Facebook notifications, calendar reminder, and more can be mapped to the watch and displayed digitally. Even better, the COOKOO line doesn’t require regular charging. So how does it work? Users must first download the COOKOO App™ (available on the App Store). People can then pick and choose which updates they want to receive on their…

Events, News & Features January 8, 2013

Audi to Include Tegra-Powered Infotainment Systems in Select Vehicles This Year

If you are an Audi enthusiast and in the market for a new Audi, you are in for a treat. Audi today announced they would be including the MMX computing module based on the NVIDIA Tegra Visual Computing Module in select models starting in 2013. This latest iteration of the Audi MIB will enhance Audi connect, permitting the live updating of satellite imagery for both Google Earth and Google Map Street View. Audi drivers with the new NVIDIA Tegra hardware will be able to see 360° street panoramas as well as pull up real-time gas prices, the latest weather forecasts…

Game Diary, Reviews January 8, 2013

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask Game Review on Nintendo 3DS

Outstanding puzzles and great storylines continue creating a potent, mystery-adventure game mix in Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, the fifth overall installment in this “prequel” game series. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is the second game in a new prequel trilogy (fifth overall) and was first released in 2011 as a launch title for the Nintendo 3DS within Japan. It is also the first game in the series for the Nintendo 3DS while previous installments released on the Nintendo DS. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, which primarily takes place one year following the events of Professor Layton…

Reviews January 7, 2013

Start8 by Stardock for Windows 8 Review

To date, my biggest pet peeve with Windows 8 is the lack of the Start Menu. Having used Windows since the early 90’s, the Start Menu is always the default way to locate files, programs, menus and everything else. It is the base from which everything else is accomplished. Redmond’s desire to encourage users to step away from the Start Menu may be the way we are heading in the future, but for me, it’s one step too far in learning to navigate my way through the new OS. So, that left me searching for Start Menu replacements. Samsung included…

Editorials January 7, 2013

Why I love my Samsung ATIV 500T enough to dump the iPad…

When the iPad first came out, I was as stunned and impressed as anyone, and anxious to have one of my own. My wife is largely supportive of my gadget addictions, but regarding the iPad, didn’t understand where it would “fit in” as a necessity when I already had an iPhone, laptop and desktop computer. She didn’t get it, even when I tried explaining it to her. (I believe that may be because when I talk about electronics that excite me, most of what she actually hears is “wah, wah, wah….wah…wah, wah…” ) So, I thought that Steve Jobs may…

Editorials, Game Diary December 31, 2012

Video Game Violence

As recently reported in USA Today, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W. Va.) introduced a bill to examine the impact of violent content, including video games, on children…This possible bill would require the National Academy of Sciences to submit a report within 18 months on whether violent video games and other programming adversely affect children. Other studies have not been able to provide conclusive evidence that video games, movies, television programming or media in general have adverse effects. It’s not a simple issue of finding evidence or a “smoking gun” because there is no way an entity, including the National Academy of…

Game Diary, News & Features December 30, 2012

Need For Speed Most Wanted DLC Released, Ultimate Speed Pack

Still need some speed? Electronic Arts delivers in impressive fashion with the Ultimate Speed Pack, which is available for download on $9.99 at PlayStation Store (PS3) and Origin (PC), and for 800 Microsoft points on Xbox Live Marketplace (Xbox 360). This Need For Speed Most Wanted downloadable content (DLC) includes 70 new “speed-themed” milestones and five amazing exclusive cars – Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, Pagani Nonla R, McLaren F1 LM, Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Lambourgini Aventador J. Players also get 25 challenge events for each of these five cars. Players can also nab this DLC pack and Time Saver…

Reviews December 29, 2012

Mophie Juice Pack Pro for iPhone 4/S Review

Tough on your iPhone 4/S? Prone to drops and breaks, and your slim case just isn’t cutting it? Want longer power for your iPhone? If you said yes to any of these questions, you might want to consider taking a gander at the Mophie Juice Pack Pro. Designed to exceed the U.S. military’s MIL-STD 810G specifications, barring any full submersion in liquid, the Mophie Juice Pack Pro will keep your iPhone safe and secure under most conditions. While lacking complete immersion protection, the case will protect your device from rain and splashes, sand and dust, vibration and shocks, as well as drops…

Game Diary, Reviews December 28, 2012

Nintendo Wii U Game System Review

The Nintendo Wii U ushers in a new wave of “next generation” video game console systems with expanded functions and convenient backward-compatible functions stemming from a sleek rectangular console and portable GamePad with screen. The Wii U had an original launch window between March 2012 and December 2012 and eventually debuted on November 18, 2012, so gamers experienced a predictable pre-order frenzy for the holiday season. The impressive high-definition graphics make a winning combination with Nintendo’s vibrantly colorful games while the lightweight GamePad with separate screen offers great gameplay/viewing options. The Wii U is currently available in the following two…

Health and Fitness December 27, 2012

Get In Shape For 2013 With The Right Footwear

From now until 2013, we’re going to take a look at some New Year’s Resolutions and a Gear Diary way to help you keep them. New Year Resolution: Get in Shape in 2013 It’s a new year and you’ve decided to make it a new you! So you’re really going to buckle down and get fit, but before you pick up a new gym membership or start downloading “Map My Run” to your iPhone, you need the right gear– starting with your feet. Even if you aren’t going to head out for a run, footwear matters. You need a good…

Game Diary, Reviews December 20, 2012

Heroes of Ruin Video Game Review on Nintendo 3DS

This extensive adventure game puts the genre right in the palm of your hands with an engaging, action experience bolstered by a user-friendly, touch-controlled inventory system and consistent new downloadable content. This Nintendo 3DS exclusive game impresses with an in-depth role-playing game (RPG)/dungeon crawling experiences with a wide array of game modes and online options. The multiplayer and cooperative gameplay options encourage coordination and friendships as online connection expand the game beyond the in-depth “off-line” single-player mode. Up to three other players (friends or any worldwide participants) can jump in the “drop in and out” cooperative multiplayer with complete with…

News & Features December 19, 2012

New Wheel of Fortune App for iOS and Android Launched to Help Celebrate 30th Wheel of Fortune Season!

“WHEEL…OF…FORTUNE!” Whenever I hear that phrase, I start to salivate a bit. Yes, I’m sure there are a lot of brows creasing as they read that second sentence, but bear with me, as it was the result of inadvertent Pavlovian conditioning. Back in the late 20th century, when I was but a college student, the local radio station would play an NPR segment followed by the audio broadcast of Wheel of Fortune from a local TV station. Due to my schedule proctoring organic chemistry labs, the timing of these two broadcasts generally coincided with my dinner. I’d often eat in…

Reviews December 17, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Movie Review

Director and Sir Peter Jackson returns again for the beginning epic adventure in The Hobbit film trilogy – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which leads into The Lord of the Rings film trilogy – one of the best, most complete film series in history winning 17 Academy Awards. Set in Middle-earth, Jackson uses camera shots full of depth and detail, especially when filming the elf characters, which compensates for their small sizes. Enhanced special effects and film speeds (a photo-realistic 48 frames per second) get high commendations for accurate details in the special effects such as realistically constructed creatures and…

Game Diary, Gear Bits December 15, 2012

First Dishonored DLC Released, Dunwall City Trials

Dunwall City Trials, the first official add-on pack for Dishonored, is available for download for $4.99 on PlayStation 3 and PC, and 400 Microsoft points on Xbox 360. This Dishonored DLC includes 10 challenge maps (normal difficulty) that will test and track action, stealth, puzzle and mobility skills. Players can also unlock six expert difficulty maps. Player performance is rated on a three star system where each star earned unlocks artwork in the gallery (44 total). Players can also check out their performance on online leaderboards or view the credits of the hard-working folks who created the DLC. New trophies and…

Gear Bits December 15, 2012

Best Buy Tech Service Gone Awry; a GM’s Customer Service Saves the Day

I came home a few weeks ago to find my almost four year old Gateway desktop rig powered completely off. I tried turning it back on, only to find out that it had decided that it didn’t want to at all. That could only mean the power supply, since it had been on and working just fine a few hours before. Annoying yes, but fortunately, not insurmountable. It took me a couple of weeks to scrounge up the dough for the new power supply, since I wanted to get it directly from Gateway; I figured that I could probably follow…

Game Diary, Gear Bits December 13, 2012

The Raptr Report – “Most Played Games of 2012”

The video gaming network Raptr, which tracks over 10 million game users and their gameplay hours and achievements, has named their “Most Played Games of 2012” in eight categories. These winners are complimented by a detailed reports with several interesting trends, facts, and fascinations in the video game world…and the winners (except for most played game) are: Most Played New Game – Borderlands 2 (Gearbox/2K Games) Most Played Game (Released Anytime) – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Treyarch/Activision) Biggest Boost from User-Generated Content – Portal 2 (Valve) Most Played Long-Awaited Sequel – Borderlands 2 (Gearbox/2K Games) No Bathroom Break…

News & Features December 13, 2012

Google Maps Has Returned to the App Store for the iPhone!

What to my wondering eyes should appear, but Google Maps for iOS, with turn by turn so dear! Yes, that’s right. Yesterday Google Maps was reintroduced into the Apple App store, so now your supported iOS device of choice can now (re)enjoy Google Maps to your heart’s content. Many users were very unhappy with the removal of Google Maps with iOS 6, and the problems with Apple’s own Maps app. There is now cause for holiday rejoicing as enthusiasts can hop over to the App store and install their new, improved copy today to get to where they need to…

Game Diary, Reviews December 10, 2012

Hitman Absolution Video Game Review on PlayStation 3

The Hitman action-assassin game series continues with this extended experience featuring elements of a successful hired assassin – stealth, strategy, and anonymity, so players need patience, practice, and considerable improvisation abilities. The Hype Contracts Mode-Create your own custom hits by choosing the level, targets, weapons and the rules of assassination in an innovative new online mode where created contracts can be shared and the money that you earn will unlock weapons, upgrades and disguises Freedom of Choice – Stalk from the shadows or rush in guns blazing thanks to fully-evolved game mechanics and a sophisticated AI-System that responds realistically to…

Game Diary, Reviews December 10, 2012

SiNG Party Video Game Review on Nintendo Wii U

SiNG Party is a unique music performance game available exclusively on the Wii U with downloadable content and Miiverse features. This party game contains a well-varied song base (50 total) that keeps this music party rocking with elements of dance, duets, and karaoke. The colorful, clear-cut presentation and interface that works with a wide range of USB microphones though the game comes available with one if needed. The Hype Get the party started with SiNG Party, a new, interactive musical performance game that will get you and your guests singing and dancing well into the night. With dozens of popular…

Gear Bits December 10, 2012

IBM’s Watson Is Tech You Should Know About

If you’ve ever worried about having your job replaced by a machine, I’ve got some distressing news for you. IBM, a US tech and consulting firm, has produced a powerful artificial intelligence system as their latest creation. Known for their innovations in the world of technology, IBM has already invented a slew of modern conveniences, including the ATM, hard disk drive, and Universal Product Code (UPC). Their most recent development, an AI supercomputer nicknamed Watson, is capable of replicating a high-functioning human’s ability to understand data and provide answers to questions. The machine is allegedly able to access 90 servers…

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