News & Features

Disney Infinity 2.0 Releases Second Wave

Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Infinity 2.0 has released the second “wave” of figures, power discs, and other items. This newly released wave includes Merida and Stitch in the Starter Pack and the separate figures Aladdin, Tinkerbell, Maleficent, and Donald Duck plus Hiro and Brymax from Big Hero 6.


Runtastic Launches ‘Sleep Better’ App

The past couple of years has seen an explosion in fitness trackers, many with sleep tracking capabilities. But for all of the data, there is a lack of information or actions coming from all of these trackers. Now Runtastic introduces the ‘Sleep Better’ app to help you track your sleep and wake up more rested.


This Blackout Yeti Microphone from Blue Is Gorgeous

The Blue Yeti is an amazing USB microphone that sounds as impressive as it looks. (I use the Yeti Pro with my Mac and love it.) Now Blue has announced the Blackout Yeti. It adds a gorgeous new style to the company’s best-selling USB microphone family. Considering the quality the sub-$150 price is a bargain. The all new blackout finish on the new Yeti microphone “adds style to your music, gaming, or podcasting setup.” At the same time it offers the same recording prowess that have made the Yeti a hugely popular success.   The Blackout Yeti uses the same…


How Taylor Swift Is Educating the Nation’s Grandpas About Spotify

You may not care about Taylor Swift or her presence on Spotify, but removing all her music from the service has had a curious side effect-it’s educating the average consumer about how little artists make from streaming services! I was in physical therapy this morning and heard two grandfathers discussing Spotify, all because of the publicity from Taylor Swift’s decision.


Sonos Software Update 5.2 Is Public Beta Awesomeness

I love when companies add value for consumers long after product purchases have been made. That is exactly what Sonos has, and continues, to do. The latest public beta of the Sonos software brings enhancements to the musical system that will be welcome by pretty much anyone who loves Sonos. Yes, it’s a Beta but it is still worth checking out. The first enhancement is specifically targeted toward those who, like me, own and use a Sonos PLAYBAR.The audio device already sounded great but the update brings enhanced sound so it’s even better. As SONOS explains: Enjoy a HiFi soundbar…


City Turf Shoe from Ogio Lets You Go Golfing at a Moment’s Notice

One of the problems I used to encounter when I worked in a real office instead of from home was getting busted for sneaking out to play a round of golf. That glove hanging out of my pocket was a dead giveaway. I wish I’d known about OGIO’s new line of golf shoes back then, particularly the City Turf Shoe. I’m already a big fan of OGIO’s gear with several of their backpacks and my golf bag prominently featuring their name. I bought their golf bag because I didn’t want to associate my mediocre golf game with any particular club…


No More SIM Swapping with KnowRoaming!

If you travel internationally, then you know that one of the best tricks is to buy a local SIM and swap it out with your home SIM in your unlocked smartphone; then you can enjoy data and local calls at a reasonable rate. Buying a local SIM and making the swap can be a hassle; that’s where KnowRoaming comes in. I met with Gregory Gundelfinger, the CEO of KnowRoaming, at Mobile World Congress this year; that’s where I first learned about this service and how it works. KnowRoaming is coming off of a successful 12 month pre-launch and beta period, and now you can get your money-saving kit for…


Get Your Samsung Galaxy Note Edge on November 14th!

One of the coolest new devices I saw while at IFA was undoubtedly the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. It had a beveled edge on the right side of the main screen which displayed received messages, email, calendar, and other notifications. The Note Edge takes the best qualities of the new Galaxy Note 4, but adds an extra wow feature! The beveled screen will display scrollable messages, “extending the screen with room to do and see more. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge screen gives access to email, Internet, apps, notifications, news and more without interrupting the content on the main screen.” Users will be able to…


The Samsung Gear S Will Be Available Soon; Do You Want One?

Word has just come out that the Samsung Gear S smartwatch, which we have previously covered is soon to be available from all major US carriers beginning next Friday, November 7th. We know that at Sprint, “well-qualified buyers can purchase Gear S with $0 down (plus tax) and 24 monthly payments of $16 (SRP: $384; excluding taxes; service plan required).”


Wink by Kindara Brings Quantified Health Tracking to Fertility

Women’s fertility is rapidly becoming a fruitful and multiplying business. There are medicines to control fertility and plenty of calendars, apps, and other gear to help track it (for both reproductive and non-reproductive purposes). Now there’s even a smartphone accessory to help monitor your reproductive help: Wink by Kindara.


Marvel Studios Maps Their Movies Until 2019

Superhero fans now have a glimpse in Marvel Studios’ future movie release calendar up to 2019. This following slate joins Marvel’s 2015 films The Avengers: Age of Ultron, which will open in theaters in likely record-breaking fashion and the first “Phase 3” film Ant-Man starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lily, and Michael Pena.


Blast Golf is Like a Golf Pro in Your Pocket

Of course a real golf pro in your pocket would interfere with your swing, but the new Blast Golf product is the latest addition to Blast Motion’s suite of sports and active life motion capture solutions that pair with your iPhone to deliver real-time motion metrics and smart video capture. Attach the Blast Motion precision motion sensor and go play! The sensor itself is the size of a quarter and weighs less than an ounce, but paired with your iPhone and the Blast Golf app data about your putting and swings is transferred via Bluetooth and can even be overlayed…


PlayStation 4 Console Update Releasing October 28

Sony’s firmware update for their PlayStation 4 game console will release on Tuesday, October 28. This significant update will include SharePlay, YouTube sharing options, music files playable via external storage, and background visual themes. This update will prime players for the holidays and follows recent significant updates on the PlayStation Vita, Xbox One and Nintendo 3DS.


T-Mobile 5 GB for 5 Months for $10 on New iPad Air 2 with Apple SIM

The web is buzzing about the latest crop of iPad tablets (Air 2, Mini 3). The loudest chatter is about the SIM card included with the cellular models. For the first time Apple have included an Apple SIM which might be used interchangeably between  AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint (of course one carrier had other ideas).  Of greater interest T-Mobile appears to be offering one heck of a data deal. According to forum regulars on SlickDeals when you choose T-Mobile as the data provider for a new iPad Air 2 AND use the Apple SIM you will be presented with a 5GB of data for…


Top Closure Zip Tie Bandages Could Save Lives!

I admit, I don’t know much about stitches. What I do know is that doing them right requires doing them carefully in a sterile environment, and in an emergency where someone needs stitches quickly you may not have either. However, an Israeli plastic surgeon may have fixed this by mixing band aids with a zip tie for Zip Tie Bandages!


The TravelBuddy Is a Tiny Travel Charger Without Cables

If you want the smallest iPhone and iPad travel charger possible, and you don’t want to fool with cables, then the TravelBuddy is going to be your perfect solution. This compact wall charger makes it possible for you to plug-in anywhere and charge your iOS device. For as little as $30 you can get in on this Kickstarter project. The makers of TravelBuddy have already made it through one successful Kickstarter charging product, and they will be producing it in an Apple-Certified Chinese factory. Apple has already approved their initial design, so you can back this product with confidence — it’s not some fly-by-night…


Our Long National Nightmare is Over, Sleater-Kinney Are REUNITING!

I will never forget the moment I popped my first Sleater-Kinney CD into my stereo and heard the opening chords of “Dig Me Out”. From that sound forward my musical tastes were fixed in a specific hierarchy: Sleater-Kinney, and everyone else a distant second. I was heartbroken when they disbanded in 2006, but today they’ve announced a surprise reunion and album!


Thoughts on the Nexus 9

Last year’s Nexus 7 is a great device, but it does have some limitations.  Namely, the 16:9 screen is not optimized for work as it’s really short when in landscape mode.  The Nexus 9 no longer has this issue, as it has a 4:3 formatted screen just like the iPad.


Ghostbusters Renaissance with Fruit Ninja and a Potential New Movie!

Remember Fruit Ninja? That oddly zen game of thwacking fruit that we all got hooked on in the early days of iOS? Well there’s something strange in the Fruit Ninja Dojo…guess it’s time to call Ghostbusters! Of course, do you call the Famous Original Ghostbusters ,or the future rebooted all-women Ghostbusters? It’s a Ghostbusters renaissance! (A ghostaissance? A renaibust?)


Waterfield Outback Slip Case for iPad Is a Lesson in Contrasts

If you are planning to pick up a new Apple iPad you’ll want to make sure your investment is well-protected. The new Waterfield Outback Slip Case for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 are a great option… and a lesson in contrasts. The tablets are sleek and refined. The cases are rough and ready. It’s a great combination!


Trobo the Science Robot Is Coming Soon!

It’s my goal to make sure my son appreciates learning. He’s shown an early love of science, as his favorite CD is They Might Be Giants “Here Comes Science“. It’s great to see that as he grows he will have more options, like the soon to be released Trobo, the Storytelling Robot who focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math!