Gear Bits

The Lumia 1020 Takes on School Plays in New Commercial

Microsoft’s “Wedding Crashers” video was a funny take on guests taking photos at weddings while arguing over operating systems. The sequel, “School Play”, still has some Android versus iPhone jokes, but focuses (no pun intended) on an area where the Lumia 1020 beats everyone: the camera. This commercial follows the same format-major event, smartphones out, fight fight fight, smug couple using a Lumia in the back laughing at the rest of the people. However, it’s a clearer commercial, highlighting a feature of the Lumia 1020 that no else has, rather than a “hey, we’re the alternative” vibe. And the camera…


Limited Edition Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Features Tippsy the Elephant

If you are in the market for a speaker that takes sound seriously while looking playful and fun check out the limited edition Ultimate Ears UE BOOM featuring Tippsy the Elephant. The whimsical character by artist Jason Maloney looks at home on the speaker that offers 360-degree sound and runs for 15 hours per charge. Just $229.99 at Apple.com.


TwelveSouth GhostStand Lifts MacBooks to New Levels

TwelveSouth’s new GhostStand will raise your MacBook to new heights thanks to the stand’s transparent, ultra-modern design. Your MacBook will appear to be floating six inches above your desk or table while soft silicone rails on the stand’s top keep the computer from slipping. It works with any MacBook and has an MSRP of just $34.99. Get one.


Avadon 2: The Corruption Gets Trailer and Release Window

In early 2011 I reviewed Avadon The Black Fortress, calling the opening of the new franchise a resounding success. Now we are in the final months of waiting for the sequel, as Avadon 2: The corruption is set to release this November with more intrigue, role-playing, plot twists and strategic combat the fueled the original. Here is the trailer!


Sugru Is the Grown-Up Play-Dough for DIY Projects

If you’ve ever dabbled in small home improvement projects, wanted to fix a damaged item or just mold something to a desired shape to hold something, Sugru might be just the thing for you. Perhaps falling somewhere between ubiquitous duct tape and super glue, Sugru is a moldable, self-curing rubber that can bond to a variety of surfaces and is electrically insulating, so clever techies can patch broken cable housings in sundry chargers, adapters and the like. Starting at $10 for a pack of 3 to $18 for a pack of 8, Sugru could be a MacGyver-wannabe’s new best friend. Check…


The 10 Worst Android Phones of All time

I was reading through the news this afternoon and came across this post on Phandroid listing the 10 Worst Android Phones of all time. Lists like this are subjective, of course, but I have to agree with Phandroid on a majority of their choices. What do you think? What is the worst Android phone you have ever used?



Starting the School Year with Flash and Theme Music

Nick Selby, a Georgia Tech sophomore, welcomed entering freshmen with style, humor and theme music. (Among the best lines… “Just like Frodo was a creature of Hobbit, Georgia Tech students are creatures of habit”.) And I bet he WILL build the Iron Man Suit! Check out the short version here on The Awesomer. The full speech is here.


It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a…Flying Car!

I have a 32 mile, 50 minute commute to work.  Even the slightest delay on the roads, will cause me to be late.  What could improve my commute, you ask?  Well, the answer is a flying car!  Terrafugia, a Massachusetts company, created the TF-X which is described as a cross between a Google self-driving car, a helicopter, and a plane. Supposedly, I only need to wait another eight years until I can pay a projected $270,000 for a brand new TF-X.  When the flying car concept was first founded by MIT in 2006, developers announced that we would be driving…


Redverz Gear’s Series II Expedition Tent Includes a Garage

I’m not big into camping, but Redverz Gear’s Series II Expedition Tent could change all that. Its design shelters riders, bikes, and assorted other gear under a single roof. Made from expedition-grade ripstop nylon, the sleeping bag’s double wall design eliminate’s condensation. The bay can be used for cooking, hanging, storage or even as a dressing room. $449. Get it. via WERD


Want a Chance to Be ‘Mr & Mrs Apteka Naturel’? Enter a Video to Win!

Apteka Naturel is a website devoted to all-natural, organic nutritional supplements. They’re running a contest to find the next ‘Mr & Mrs Apteka Naturel’. To enter, make a ~2 minute video explaining why you should be chosen and what Apteka products reflect your needs. Winners get a product pack and chance to be in upcoming ads! So get busy making videos!


I’m Batman? Petition to Remove Ben Affleck from Upcoming Man of Steel Sequel Garners Over 50,000 Supporters

Let’s face it, this whole Ben Affleck as Batman thing has been wayyy overblown, hasn’t it?  Nobody thought that Heath Ledger would provide such a legendary performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight, in fact, most of the population who had an opinion on the matter thought that the casting of the Brokeback Mountain star was a joke! Well, once again, the internet is up in arms and a petition has been posted to Change.org asking Warner Bros. to remove Ben Affleck as Batman from the upcoming Man of Steel sequel.  I, for one, am slightly concerned considering what…


Is your Face Sagging? Try this new workout!

Have you noticed that the skin under your eyes is a bit looser?  Are your jowls beginning to sag a bit lower?  Is your neck looking wrinkly?  If so, perhaps it’s time you begin exercising your sagging facial muscles. Livestrong, which is known for advocating a healthy lifestyle, has an entire workout dedicated to strengthening your facial muscles to help fight against the signs of aging.  So, as you continue reading through our site, feel free to pulse your eyelids, exercise your jaw, and stretch the corners of your mouth.  We won’t judge. Here is the link to the full…


Going ‘All-In’ With the Samsung Chromebook

Just like I did with several tablets last year, I am going to try to use the Chromebook as my ‘90% computer’. This means using it for all of my normal daily tasks except those I know it cannot do, such as PC or iPad gaming. With great portability, battery life, and ease of use, I anticipate great success! I already have a couple of challenges – the USB port is incompatible with my Garmin GPS watch, and I am still figuring out the WiFi configuration for my work network … but I am persevering, as I have most other…


Get Ready for Angry Birds Star Wars 2!

The combination of the over-done Angry Birds and mega-licensed Star Wars seemed like a marketer’s dream and a gamer’s nightmare. Yet the game was actually good – and loads of fun for fans of both franchises. So hearing about a sequel featuring Ian MacDiarmid is actually intriguing – and you’ll be able to get it for $1.99 on September 19th. Check out the trailer:


Logitech’s Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Now in White

Logitech’s K400 keyboard is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup of the computing world. It combines a comfortable keyboard that includes media hot keys with a 3.5” multi-touch touchpad and 33 ft, long-range wireless connectivity allowing you to control your laptop or PC-connected TV from the comfort of your couch. You can even store it vertically to save space. Check it out.


New Need for Speed Rivals Features Announced

  Check out two new features in the upcoming Need for Speed Rivals racing video game coming to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on Nov. 19 and eventually the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Check out the preview video here. Get into gear! Electronic Arts revealed two new features in the upcoming Need For Speed: Rivals racing video game – personalization (returning) and a revised career progression – both built into the AllDrive gameplay features, which meshes all the game modes together so players can quickly jump among different gaming experiences. In Need For Speed: Rivals players will enjoy these two features on either side of…



Get the Book “Notes to a Software Team Leader” for Free

There’s no better price than free, and that’s how much you’ll currently pay for the book “Notes to a Software Team Leader”. Targeted to anyone with a leadership role in the software business, this book is normally $25. If people look to you for technical guidance, then this book may help makes it easier for you to help. Get it here.


Save on the Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine

Nothing’s better than a cup of fresh espresso to start your day. And if you are on the go there’s no reason to compromise. Handpresso’s Wild Hybrid lets you enjoy fresh espresso anywhere. Combine hot water with Handpresso’s ESE pods or your own ground coffee and let the Wild Hybrid do the rest. Normally $129.99, get it here for $109.00.


Nixon Luxe Heritage Watch Collection Arrives This October

Smartwatches may be all the rage and news that an Android Smartwatch is on the way will only add to the hype. Still, a gorgeous timepiece made from leather and chrome will always have its place. Nixon’s Luxe Heritage Collection fits the bill and arrives just in time for Halloween. Priced from $125-$900, you can Check them out here. via The Awesomer