When you bring together masters like King Crimson bassist/stick-master Tony Levin, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess and maniac drummer Marco Minneman, you know the results will be a shred-fest. But will it be any good? Rest assured, not only is this CD a humbling listen for musicians, it is a high-quality and rewarding journey through modern-day instrumental rock.
Like its tasty namesake, the Speck CandyShell + FACEPLATE comes in bright colors, has a shiny exterior surface, a soft interior layer, and looks good enough to eat. By adding a faceplate (CandyShield) to Speck’s iconic two-layer CandyShell design, you can be more confident than ever that your phone is protected. Best of all… it’s just $44.95. Get it.
A few months ago I reviewed the iPad version of Special Enquiry Detail 2 – Engaged to Kill HD and found it lived up to the high level of the original. Now G5 and Floodlight have released the game for the Kindle Fire. The port works perfectly, with the characters and mystery every bit as intriguing as before.
I have a pair of Sennheiser on-ear noise-cancelling headphones I purchased years ago. They are well-loved, and most recently went to France with my mother-in-law. The headphones still look and sound fantastic. That’s why the Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones intrigued me. These $229.95 headphones come in great colors, offer exceptional comfort and, best of all, sound great. Check them out. The MOMENTUM on-ear headphones impressed me the minute I pulled them from the box. They are light but surprisingly solid, the color is rich but not overly punchy, and the metal frame, ear cups, and rivets connecting the metal frame…
The Speck GemShell for the iPhone 5C is a great way to protect your new device while also allowing the color of the iPhone’s plastic case to shine through. (Check out our review.) If, however, you want a case that not only protects, but also adds its own color to the iPhone 5C, then you should check out the $34.95 Speck CandyShell. The CandyShell for iPhone 5C has the same familiar design we have seen on previous CandyShell models. That means it offers a good degree of lay-on-the-table protection. The space that covers the bottom of the phone is divided…
The Express Dock for iPad with built-in 4-foot USB cable is just under $60. That’s a lot for an iPad dock, but you won’t find a more solid dock that works with all current iOS devices. Better still, it works with most iPads and iPhones without the needing to remove the device from its case. Check it out here. The first thing you notice when you remove the Belkin Express Dock from its packaging is just how heavy it is. The dock is nicely weighted and, as a result, it creates a solid base for your iOS device that won’t…
A few months ago I reviewed the iPad version of Special Enquiry Detail 2 – Engaged to Kill HD and found it lived up to the high level of the original. Now G5 and Floodlight have released the game for the Mac. The port works perfectly, with the characters and mystery every bit as intriguing as before. Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) game Platform/where to buy: Mac; available in the Mac App Store Developer: Floodlight Games / G5 Entertainment Description: Special Enquiry Detail 2 has loads of content, including: Six highly intriguing chapters 44 locations to examine…
If you like smoked meats, then, well I guess we can be friends. But not everyone has the room for a big wood-fired smoker or the time to tend the fire for a long cooktime. For convenient home smoking and consistently delicious reults, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Digital Stainless Steel Smokehouse might just be the solution for you!
In the world of hidden object games, developers can craft purely hidden object screen game types as well as more adventure-oriented games. Where Angels Cry is on the adventure side of the genre, which forces more plot and character development. I said in the iPad version review the game handles these well, and the Kindle Fire version is also great. Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) Platform/where to buy: Kindle Fire; available in the Amazon App Store Developer: Cateia Games / G5 Entertainment Description: Here are some of the features: ? 18 amazing mini-games and puzzles to solve…
Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel takes you on a journey with Detective Bridget “Biggi” Brightstone as she explores a hotel that holds many mysteries. This is a classic Cateia game, like many others G5 has published for iOS, and I love the way they put together games that combine hidden objects and puzzles in a story-based adventure. Type of app: Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here); available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Cateia Games / G5 Entertainment Description: ? 50 arduous levels to conquer ? Five intriguing chapters to navigate ? 15 puzzling mini-games to master…
The monCarbone Hovercoat is one of the lightest and classiest iPhone 5/5S cases available. Made from carbon fiber, the monCarbone Hovercoat is “basalt enhanced” to help make sure the case doesn’t destroy your signal reception. No, this case won’t protect your iPhone 5/5S when it is dropped, but it will keep it scratch-free and looking amazing. Check it out. The monCarbone Hovercoat is compatible with both the iPhone 5 and 5S. A simple snap-on case, it fits perfectly on the phone and all but disappears when you look at the screen. That’s a mixed bag, since it also means the…
With the arrival of Elana’s iPhone 5C, our household is pretty much all-in with lightning connector-enabled devices. Thing is though, that all of our speakers and Bluetooth headsets use a microUSB for charging. That’s where the Innergie MagiCable Duo with Lightning Connector comes in. It is two cables in one and costs under $30. . The Innergie MagiCable Duo with Lightning Connector cable is a rather simple design, but it’s potentially quite useful to people like Elana and me. In its main configuration it’s a 2.6′ cable with a USB connector on one side and a Lightning connector on the…
If you want a simple but protective case that looks hand painted and won’t break the bank, then you may want to check out the iFrogz Chemistry Chic Chevron for Apple iPhone 5/5s. At under $25, it is a relatively inexpensive way to give your iPhone 5/5S protection and a new, rather unique look. Check it and similar iFrogz cases out. There’s nothing fancy about the iFrogz Chemistry Chic Chevron. A simple TPU case, it protects the sides, top, bottom, corners and back quite nicely. It also offers some degree of lay-on-the-table protection. If you do order this case be…
Speck’s GemShell for iPhone 5C is a “Crystal-clear, protective iPhone 5C case that shows off the brilliant design of your iPhone”. This case is less than $30, offers good drop and scratch protection, and lets the color of the iPhone 5C shine through. If you want protection that doesn’t hide your phone this case may be for you. Get it. The Speck GemShell is a simple idea that fits perfectly with the approach Apple has taken with the iPhone 5C. By stressing the fun and colorful aspects of the device, Apple has helped avoid having too much focus on the…
Gorilla Band is for kids. Completely, unapologetically for kids. Like my 5-year old. Who adores this app. Gorilla Band, by the folks at Wasabi (who provided us with a copy to review), is an interactive children’s book for iOS and Android devices. The main storyline, aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 7, is about gorillas who play instruments and form a band. The gorillas don’t like the classical music they’re being taught – they want to play rock ‘n’ roll, of course. Fortunately, their music teacher welcomes their interests. The story begins with two gorillas who don’t like…
There are some mobile accessories that are no-brainers, belonging in any gadget bag. The ZAGGsparq’s 3100 is close to being one of them; the only caveat being its price at just under $70. The ZAGGsparq’s 3100 replaces your wall adapter, but it also doubles as a portable backup battery; it’s one device that serves two important functions. Designed for moderate to heavy mobile device users, the ZAGGsparq 3100 provides up to two charges for all your favorite gadgets. Built-in prongs allow the ZAGGsparq 3100 to double as a wall charger, eliminating the need for a spare charging cord. At CES 2013 the…
After the first Cognition episode I praised the game but complained about the accents; the second episode had me spouting high praise for the game while still noting an issue with accents. But after completing the third episode all I can say is WHO CARES about the accents, this series is so good I just can’t wait for the conclusion! Type of app: Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: Mac or PC; full season pass with soundtracks available in the Phoenix Online Studios Store Developer: Phoenix Online Studios LLC Description: Here are some of the features: – Play as Erica Reed,…
Lowepro just announced there new line of Urban Reporter Camera Messenger bags. The line includes the Urban Reporter 150, Urban Reporter 250 and the Urban Reporter 350 and prices range from $119.99 to $159.99. The Urban Reporter 150 is the perfect bag for the photographer who wants to grab a tablet and travel light. Check it out. We reviewed the Urban Reporter 250 and were impressed. The bag is light, has great style, offers a good amount of flexibility and makes carrying a 13″ laptop, camera gear and accessories an absolute pleasure. For those who want to travel a bit…
Tribute albums always make me cringe, because I have heard way too many that either feel indulgent or like a cash-in. But more and more I am hearing tributes that are smart and thoughtful and pay real tribute to great artists. ‘Jazz and All That’ is such a tribute, going far beyond just being a Dave Brubeck tribute album. Musical Genre: Jazz Where to buy: iTunes or Amazon. Artist: The Sachal Studios Orchestra Description: From the artist: Sachal Jazz Ensemble, master musicians from Pakistan who incorporate ancient instruments, such as sitar, sarod, tabla, and dholak into the sounds and rhythms…
When Lowepro told me they had a brand new line of camera bags on the way, I was excited. The new line — the Lowepro Urban Reporter Camera Messenger Bags — consist of the Urban Reporter 150, 250, and 350. Priced from $119.99 to $159.99, they are a great option for someone looking to carry their gear in style. The first thing you notice when you pick up an Urban Reporter is the fact that it doesn’t look like a traditional camera bag. That’s pretty much the idea, since this is a bag you’ll be carrying with you on the…
Grand Theft Auto V continues improvement in open world environments where crime is king and characters expand with a three main character scenario that allows character to switch among them. Rockstar Games expands existing gameplay into show-stopping events with more role-playing opportunities as main and supporting characters cross paths while players can take main routes or choose tangents any time. The Hype Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the…