Google’s swing at a social network – Google+ – has just made a big about-face in their much despised real name policy. When the network went live in June 2011 there was a major struggle with users wanting to choose whatever name they wanted and Google insisting on real names only.
I’ve been in Israel for the past week, and I have been witnessing the conflict firsthand. During this time, I have been one of the lucky ones; I’ve only had to run to a shelter three times with Iron Dome intercepting missiles that were headed toward us twice. Yes, it has been an interesting experience.
Verizon Wireless is now taking exclusive preorders for the upcoming Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, the slimmest and lightest 4G LTE tablet. This limited Xperia Z2 price will be $499.99 with a new two-year activation, and it will be available online and in Verizon stores starting July 17, 2014.
I am currently on a week-long trip in Israel sponsored by the American Israel Education Fund. Last night we got back from a dinner program only to have a Red Alert go off as missiles were inbound into Jerusalem from Gaza. This will be the reality during our stay I fear, and a new app — Red Alert Israel — will be a helpful guide.
On July 17, 2014, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 owners can get their first taste of the upcoming first-person shooter game Destiny at 10 a.m. ET in the Destiny beta access that will end July 28, 2014 at 3 a.m. ET (July 27 at midnight PT). PlayStation Plus required for some PlayStation 4 features.
It’s tough to travel anywhere in public and not encounter someone using an OtterBox case on their portable device. These bulky yet sturdy cases pioneered the shock-proof and drop-proof genre of case design. I’ve found using an Otterbox is sometimes an acceptable substitute for insurance, since the protection afforded a device in an OtterBox seems to render it indestructible.
My car is a 2008 Yukon Denali XL, and while it has tons of bells and whistles, it doesn’t have a hands-free bluetooth hookup for calls or audio. I figured I’d have to wait until we eventually upgraded vehicles (not any time soon!) before I had that feature, but with the $45 Kinivo Bluetooth Car Kit, there is no need. Setting up the device is as simple as plugging the BTC455 directly into the auxiliary port on your stereo (assuming that your car stereo has at least that) and then plugging it into the volt outlet. Once that’s done, you’ll have hands-free streaming through your…
There are stunts and then there are stunts. This video shows a real-world stunt that’s proves the power of Hyundai’s tech. Seriously… Watch the video, and then try to deny that some small part of you wants to go buy a Hyundai Genesis RIGHT NOW. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EPTIXldrq3Q Via Jalopnik
Admit it, you probably got at least one wok as a wedding present or a random gift from somebody who exalts the health benefits of stir-frying. And now it’s taking up a lot of space in a cupboard or closet because you never figured out how to cook with a round wok on a flat stovetop. WokMon can help out!
Here is super exciting news for lovers of the presumed defunct Chumby. If you’re not a Chumby chaser – it is a consumer electronics product formerly made by Chumby Industries, Inc. It is an embedded computer which provides Internet and LAN access via a Wi-Fi connection. Through this connection, the Chumby runs various software widgets.
One of the things I always say about Ham Radio is that you never know who might have their license; there are even famous people who do. An example of this comes in a short conversation I had via Amateur Radio with former MTV VJ and one of the hosts of the No Agenda Podcast, Adam Curry, call sign KF5SLN.
For the few of you who still may not know, the Jeep Cherokee is back. Jeep brought the familiar nameplate back to the midsize SUV segment to replace the Liberty model they are showing the door. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk rides on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles globally-sourced architecture and features some of the most polarizing design in any new vehicle.
Do you remember those pop-a-point pencils from when you were a kid? They never needed sharpening, because there was always a fresh pointed pencil on the slug behind the one you were using. The Tool Pen uses that same design so that you can carry up to six tools with you at all times. You’ll want to check this out!
In addition to the new JBL headphones we posted on earlier today, the company also introduces two new headphones targeted at those who are a bit more athletic. The JBL Synchros Reflect and Synchros Reflect BT In-Ear Sport Headphones comes in striking colors, are $59.95 and $99.95 respectively, and they promise great sound while you work out.
JBL just announced their new Synchros E-Series Lifestyle Headphones. The headphones, there are both in-ear and around-the-ear, “combine JBL engineering with innovative features sure to complement every lifestyle and every way of listening.” With prices from $39.95 for the JBL Synchros E10 all the way up to $149.95 for the E50BT, there is something for every taste and budget.
For years I used a GPS in my car, but that’s been replaced by my smartphone. I miss having the GPS mounted to my dashboard, so I was very excited to check out the iBolt line of car mounts and their complementary “Dock ‘n Drive” apps. Does this turn the phone into the ultimate safe car accessory?
The new Korus M20 Mobile wireless speaker may look like yet another entry into the overly-crowded Bluetooth speaker market, but looks only tell part of the story. Sure, the carabiner clip is a nice touch, but that’s only the beginning. You see, this isn’t just a speaker; it is a small part of a much larger system.
We mentioned last month that Bayan Audio, a UK audio company, was entering the US market. Among their initial US offerings were the $199 Soundbook and the powerful $299 Soundbook X3. Last night they revealed their newsiest product- the Bayan Audio Soundbook GO. The $134.99 Bluetooth speaker has great style and promises equally impressive audio. Here’s a closer look.
It has been a while since we covered anything from Think Tank Photo here on the site. We’ve review many of the products and I’ve always been impressed. The company just rolled out a few new products and new promotions for June 2014. If you are into photography both the products and the special deals are worth checking out!
BlackBerry reported earnings this morning. Sales for the quarter were $996 million down 70% compared to the prior year’s quarter when sales were $ 3.1 billion. Sales of devices shrank to 2.6 million smartphones compared to the year earlier when they sold 6.8 million.
As expected, Amazon announced its very first phone this afternoon. Much about the Fire Phone had been leaked, but there were a few interesting surprises along the way. Many of us have Amazon Prime, so we were excited to see what Bezos would present, and how they would differentiate the Amazon Fire Phone. Here’s what we now know…