Reviews

Secret Society Game Tweaks Your Dopamine Reward System

Game Diary, Reviews May 25, 2013

The Secret Society from G5 Tweaks Your Dopamine Reward System to the Max!

The most ‘addictive’ games are the ones that activate your ‘dopamine reward system’, which is your brains way of dealing with things that feel good. It is the system that makes any positive achievement feel so great and send a ‘rush of good feelings’ over you in those moments. For the new generation of mobile games fueled by in-app purchases, ‘dopamine management’ is a critical factor to keeping gamers on the hook and paying up. Several months ago G5 Entertainment introduced The Secret Society, and have been updating it ever since. I started playing a week or so ago, and…

Reviews May 25, 2013

Cozi Family Organizer for iPhone and iPad – a Blueplate Special

My kids have finally reached the age that our family is going twenty directions at once. This spring we have had my varsity games I coach as well as both of my sons’ baseball games. Of course, most of these all occur at the same times on the same days in different towns. Since I am almost always coaching during this mess, my wife is in charge of keeping it all running smoothly. We recently found an iPhone app that has helped keep the chaos to be somewhat controlled while I was grocery shopping. Cozi Family Organizer made my usually…

Reviews May 24, 2013

Fast & Furious 6 Film Review

The ‘bigger is better’ filmmaking mantra works as this monstrous action-racing film series keeps upgrading with Fast & Furious 6 (a.k.a. Furious 6). The featured film gear this time is a special device called the “Nightshade”, which can disable power in a large area. Other featured gear in the film include special electronic discs (relating to the “Nightshade” technology), specially customized F1-style “flip cars”, modified cable guns, BMW M5s, a Navistar MXT truck, a rare 1973 Jensen Interceptor, and a custom-made Dodge Daytona for Vin Diesel…the perfect acting name for this successful film series. In this sixth film installment, Dominic…

Game Diary, Reviews May 24, 2013

Combo Crew for iOS and Android Pulls No Punches!

Type of app: Action-Fighting Platform/where to buy: iOS or Android; available in the iTunes App Store or available in the Google Play Store Developer: The Game Bakers Description: • Fight with your fingers: slash enemies to trigger crazy combos, tap to guard. A modern beat ’em up with no virtual D-pad! • The first mobile brawler with asynchronous multiplayer across devices. Rescue your friends, or be rescued by them! • A true arcade experience with a great combo system and super moves. • Several heroes with unique combat styles and more than 80 moves to master. • Hundreds of missions…

Reviews May 23, 2013

Baofeng UV-5RA Review: Can a $50 Ham Radio Be Any Good?

I hope you have been enjoying my series on Amateur Radio. It’s been one of my favorite hobbies for about 20 years now, and I love sharing my knowledge with our readers. Today I am bringing you another radio review, only the second one ever for Gear Diary. Just like when I reviewed the Icom ID-31A last year, this Baofeng UV-5RA review is coming from real-life experience with the radio.

Reviews May 23, 2013

The Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar for Tablets and Laptops Review

This is our review of the Zooka. Before reading further please say that out loud five times fast. Now please say it five times slowly. Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka It is just fun to say isn’t it? Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka Zooka! Okay enough of that. Let’s dig into this successful Kickstarter project. The people behind it, Carbon Audio, were looking to raise $25,000 dollars. By the end of the campaign they had 678 backers and had raised $70,540. Neither Judie nor I backed the Zooka, but now the Bluetooth speaker is available…

Reviews May 23, 2013

iStabilizer tabMount Holds Your Tablet Right

I’m a huge fan of the various products from iStabilizer. From their Flex smartphone holder to their Glass, to their Monopod, iStabilizer is one of those small companies whose products don’t grab a lot of attention, but they still stand out because they not only do their job, they do their job well. A few months ago iStabilizer went on Kickstarter to raise funds for their next offering — the iStabilizer tabMount. The iStabilizer tabMount was intended to be exactly what the name implies — a mount for your tablet.

Game Diary, Reviews May 22, 2013

Cognition Episode 2 The Wise Monkey Slashes onto Mac and PC!

A few months ago I reviewed the iPad version of the first ‘episode’ of Cognition, the adventure game series from legendary developer Jane Jenson and Phoenix Online Studios. Now we have Episode 2 of Cognition, and are on the case of the Wise Monkey. Let’s take a look! Type of app: Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: Mac or PC; available in the Phoenix Online Studios Store Developer: Phoenix Online Studios LLC Description: Here are some of the features: – Play as Erica Reed, FBI detective – Solve a deep and intriguing mystery that involves your twin brother – Investigate crime…

Reviews May 21, 2013

Domeo Recliner Folio iPad Case Review

A good case on an iPad is a must have; not only do you need protection but also some function for many uses in different situations. I prefer cases that double as a stand while also providing some protection. Folio cases are also among my favorites since they easily close like a folder and keep the iPad covered when not in use. I recently had the opportunity to try out the Recliner Folio from Domeo; let’s take a look. The Recliner Folio looks like most folio style cases, as it folds together to look like a notebook or folder. The…

Music Diary, Reviews May 21, 2013

FL Studio Mobile Gets Android Support – Hands-on Review

OK, I will admit to being almost entirely negative about the state of music production apps on the Android platform. Much of this centers on one absolute reality – iOS has core audio services built-in that take care of things for developers, whereas on Android not only is there a lack of such services, the audio system is so weak that there is no assurance of a low-lag environment on any device. That has meant it was up to developers to code their own low-lag audio system for their apps, and has also meant that very few apps are available….

Reviews May 20, 2013

Kinivo BTX350 Digital Wireless Speaker Review

I’m a big fan of Bluetooth enabled, wireless speakers in this age of cell phones, tablets, and computers. We’re always on the go, always have our mobile phones with us, and therefore, many of us carry our music collections with us as well. Even if you don’t carry your MP3 collection on your cell phone, most of our phones can use Pandora, Spotify, or any number of mobile music apps. The market is ripe for great sounding, decently priced Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, the Kinivo BTX350 does not meet that first criterion.

Reviews May 20, 2013

Toddy Screensters Clean Your Screen with Character

If you own any device with a touchscreen, then you know all too well how quickly and easily they get dirt and grease and all sorts of crud all over them. I tend to have a small microfiber wipe with me in my car and my laptop bag at all times, and a couple of my jackets have them on the inside pockets. But for those looking to wipe their screens with a bit more ‘character’ than a simple square microfiber wipe, Toddy introduced Screensters. They sent me a couple to try out, so let’s take a look!

Reviews May 19, 2013

Toast Real Wood Cover for iPad mini Review Redux

I reviewed Toast’s wood back for the iPad mini back in March. (Read the review.) It went on easily and looked good. Unfortunately a key shortcoming led me to remove it shortly after posting the review. My summary comments on the iPad mini cover say it all… What I Like: Three different wood options; Option to have a plain back or one of a number of interesting designs; Ability to customize the case; Easy to apply but hard to remove; Terrific attention to detail What Needs Improvement: Top and bottom of the iPad’s back remain exposed Here’s the original video…

Reviews May 19, 2013

LifeProof fr? and Arm Band for iPhone 5 Review

When I began doing Couch to 5K again (something I need to do yet again tomorrow because I let too much time pass between runs) I needed a way to carry my iPhone. After all, during a run my phone is not only my music source but it is also my “trainer”… Walk 10 minutes, run half a mile, slow, fast etc. When I did the program the first time I had an iPhone 4S that fit into my iPhone 4 armband. Now that I’m using an iPhone 5 that armband no longer worked. So I went in search of…

Reviews May 18, 2013

Geneva Sound System Model XS Review

Geneva Sound markets the Geneva Sound System Model XS as “the world’s first portable audio system with true Hi-Fi sound”. That’s a pretty daring claim to make and one that can easily be dismissed as a good bit of hyperbole. Does this Bluetooth speaker whose design is inspired by the classic travel clock, truly sound like something much bigger and more expensive? We couldn’t wait to get out hands on one and find out. We did get one for review, and were immediately impressed by the sturdy leather-like clamshell case. It really does look like the travel alarm clocks of…

Reviews May 18, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Android Review

The never-ending battle for king of the smartphones has never been more interesting, with the Samsung Galaxy S 4 leading the charge. Looking much like its very successful predecessor, Samsung is banking on its new-found brand swagger to convince people its latest is indeed the greatest. The Galaxy S line has seen a level of success only felt on the smartphone scene by Apple with the iPhone, and the new Galaxy S 4 has done little to rock the boat. It has, however, packed the cargo hold full of stuff.

Reviews May 18, 2013

Moxtra for iOS Review – Moving Mountains of Info into Manageable Folders

I use my iPad for just about everything — notes, pictures, writing posts, browsing the web, etc. In many ways it is how I aggregate every bit of content I need, like, or want to reference. The iPad does all this for me on the hardware side, and I’ve been testing an app called Moxtra that does this for photos, documents, notes, and audio files. It can be standalone like a scrapbook or collaborative. How does it work, and how well does it work? Read on to find out! Moxtra organizes your content into “binders”, rather than folders or categories,…

Reviews May 17, 2013

JVC HA-MR77X DJ-style Over-the-Ear Headphones Review

A few months ago we brought word that JVC had upgraded their headphone line. The new versions of their headphones feature a rugged styling, a high-gloss finish and durable construction. The company is using heavy-duty Neodymium driver units and Extreme Deep Bass Ports to fill out the sound offered by the headphones. In addition, the company added a one button remote and microphone compatible with iPhone, blackberry and android devices to three of the models. The inline single-button remote lets you play, stop and skip tracks. It also lets you answer phone calls. They sent us a pair of the…

Music Diary, Reviews May 16, 2013

IK Multimedia iKlip Studio for iPad Mini Review

Just about a year ago, I reviewed the original iKlip Studio. It was a simple and short review, and for good reason – the iKlip was simplistic and direct in design, solid in build and materials, and well executed. Back at CES 2013, IK Multimedia announced they were building an iKlip for the iPad Mini. Today they have released it, so let’s see how it compares! Description Here are some of the features: Sturdy, durable, lightweight, shock-resistant thermoplastic construction holds your iPad securely without scratching or marring it Rubber foot-pads grip the desktop and prevent unwanted sliding Flexible orientation allows…

Game Diary, Reviews May 15, 2013

F1: 2012 Review for PlayStation 3

With the 64th Formula One Season well underway and the Grand Prix de Monaco coming on May 26, racing fans should definitely try out F1 2012, which lets players experience the 2012 F1 season and/or compete online or offline against other players. Indianapolis 500 fans can also get an exciting experience from this quality game, which captures this racing worldwide experience very well. The Hype The glamour. The exhilaration. The intensity. The speed. With drivers cruising a smooth 200 mph — minimum — and cutthroat teams carving out dynasties of speed, Formula One is the most elite racing circle in…

Game Diary, Reviews May 15, 2013

Isla Dorada – Episode 1: The Sands of Ephranis HD for iPad Review

Having just come off of the euphoria that was Special Enquiry Detail 2, I was ready for my next hidden-object puzzle adventure. It comes in the form of an island-based game called Isla Dorada – Episode 1: The Sands of Ephranis HD, which has you taking on the role of Jessica Pandora, an archeologist drawn to a hidden site sought by many treasure hunters. What happens to her once she arrives, and is this a good game? Let’s take a look and see!

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