Gear Bits

IK Multimedia Launches iRig Keys Pro with Full Sized Keys!

Gear Bits

IK Multimedia Launches iRig Keys Pro with Full Sized Keys!

Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multiplatform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is introducing iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC. iRig KEYS PRO is a true “plug and play” professional-quality programmable MIDI controller designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It features 37 velocity-sensitive full-size keys for 3 full octaves plus one note — allowing…

My Spy Birdhouse Takes Birdwatching to a Voyeuristic Level

Gear Bits

My Spy Birdhouse Takes Birdwatching to a Voyeuristic Level

  Occasionally, my wife, Sarah will point out products she thinks we should cover on Gear Diary. Often they’re interesting or unusual, and sometimes they’re just “oh, come on, you’ve got to be kidding me” ridiculous. The My Spy Birdhouse we saw on TV today clearly falls in the latter category, and Sarah practically fell off the couch laughing at it!

Roadie Tuner, The Ultimate Guitarist Tool Kickstarter Project

Gear Bits

Roadie Tuner, The Ultimate Guitarist Tool Kickstarter Project

One of the only annoying things about playing the guitar is tuning. I already use my iPhone as my primary tuning device since it is always with me. The Roadie Tuner on Kickstarter utilizes an iPhone app and pairs with a device via Bluetooth to automatically tune each string for you. The device will be $99 and releases soon.

Steam Launches Huge Autumn Sale for Thanksgiving Weekend

Gear Bits

Steam Launches Huge Autumn Sale for Thanksgiving Weekend

Every year Steam offers up huge savings on PC download games, and this year is no exception. They have games on sale all weekend, 24-hour sales, and quick ‘flash’ sales. All of the deals are good, and it is definitely worth checking the deals out every day! Right now they have System Shock 2 for 75% off!

Just Mobile AluBolt Is An iPhone and iPad mini Stand That Is Just Right

Gear Bits

Just Mobile AluBolt Is An iPhone and iPad mini Stand That Is Just Right

If, like me, you love using your iPhone and iPad mini, you are always on the lookout for a great stand that will hold and charge your mobile device. Just Mobile’s new AluBolt promises to do just that. An upright Lightning dock for iPhone and iPad mini, the $49.95 dock is finished in aluminum and includes an integrated USB cable.

I Can't Wait to Go Camping with the Power Pot V

Gear Bits

I Can’t Wait to Go Camping with the Power Pot V

A really cool review item just came across my desk: the Power Pot V, which turns your campfire or any other heat source into juice for your USB-powered device.  All you do is fill the pot with water, heat it up, plug in your device, and the Power Pot charges your device. The Power Pot sells for $149.00.

Passport MAX Wins SEMA, Heads Out on Road Trip

Gear Bits, Vehicles & Gear

Passport MAX Wins SEMA, Heads Out on Road Trip

I had a chance to see the new Passport MAX from Escort last night. It is a huge leap forward in radar detector technologies. It is so advanced that it just one “Best New Product” at SEMA. With scanning technologies that separates real threats from RF interference, the MAX “sees what others can’t”. We will have much more soon.

SteelSeries Impresses Again with the Siberia Elite Gaming Headphones

Gear Bits

SteelSeries Impresses Again with the Siberia Elite Gaming Headphones

SteelSeries, the leading gaming headphone manufacturer, recently introduced a set of headphones that will really turn heads.  The SteelSeries Siberia Elite  pack some serious specs including Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby ProLogic IIx for an even more immersive soundscape.  The Siberia Elite cans also feature a retractable noise-cancelling microphone; they retail for $199.99.

Xbox One Unboxing Video - Day One Edition with SWAG!

Gear Bits

Xbox One Unboxing Video – Day One Edition with SWAG!

I preordered my Xbox One Day One edition months ago. I got to my local Best Buy around 7pm last night, expecting to wait in a long line. Although there was a long line of people who hadn’t preordered, I was the first preorder in line and the first customer at that Best Buy to purchase an Xbox One.

GoG.com Adds Mac Versions of 34 More Classic Games

Gear Bits

GoG.com Adds Mac Versions of 34 More Classic Games

The classic DRM-free gaming site GoG.com is just coming off of their insane ‘Insomnia’ sale, where they had flash sales with huge savings that would expire as soon as a certain number were sold. In the midst of that chaos they announced something else – a huge expansion in their Mac game catalog. Including games never available before on Mac!

Polar Introduces the Loop Activity Tracker

Gear Bits, Health and Fitness

Polar Introduces the Loop Activity Tracker

The Activity Tracker market is getting crowded with new releases from Nike, Jawbone and FitBit offering more and more features and integration into our lifestyle. Is there room for another one? Polar hopes that by offering more features, they can expand the market further. So they have introduced the Loop – more than just an activity tracker.

Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery- Gaming On the Go

Gear Bits

Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery- Gaming On the Go

This will be a short post. Meet the Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery. It is going to be $99.99. It gives you console-style controls for your iPhone 5/5s. It nearly doubles the battery capacity. I’m doing a lot of traveling in the next eight weeks. I want one… now. Learn more here.

BLOW Hookah Brings an Old Smoking Tradition into the 21st Century

Gear Bits

BLOW Hookah Brings an Old Smoking Tradition into the 21st Century

WARNING: The products discussed may contain or use nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical; in many cities and a few states, you must be 21 to purchase vaping products and/or products containing nicotine. Please familiarize yourself with and obey the law in your location. Did you know that, in a typical hookah smoking session, you inhale up to 180 times more smoke than you would in a single cigarette? That’s… Bad. In addition, traditional hookah smoke contains the same carcinogenic components as cigarette smoke. One could simply avoid hookahs entirely, or one could check out the 21st-century BLOW Hookah.

FLOTE Your Tablet for Better Viewing and More Functionality

Gear Bits

FLOTE Your Tablet for Better Viewing and More Functionality

If you have been searching for a better way to keep your tablet or eReader positioned in the optimal location for comfort and ease-of-use the FLOTE may be just the thing. The $299 FLOTE, which comes in a desktop or freestanding model, may be pricey but it is a solidly built, great-looking way to hold your tablet exactly where you want.

Baby You Can Ride My Car. The Kennedy Car 50 Years Later

Gear Bits

Baby You Can Ride My Car. The Kennedy Car 50 Years Later

I wrote up my visit to the Henry Ford Museum after being there with Ford last January. Among the amazing things I saw during my visit was the actual car President Kennedy was riding in when he was shot 50 years ago this week. More amazing? It was put back into service, and other Presidents rode in it.