News & Features

Kickstarter Campaign Says Letter Writing Isn’t Dead

Some crowdfunded projects are wacky, some of them are cool, and some of them are just downright charming. That’s definitely the case for the World’s Smallest Post Service DIY Activity Kit currently on Kickstarter, which aims to bring back letter writing! Your $29 pledge gets a complete letter and package kit in miniature, with enough materials for 24 letters, 6 packages, and one very cute 3D mailbox.


Texas Says ‘Howdy’ To Toyota

Just wanted to say a quick “Howdy” to all of my friends at Toyota that will be heading here to North Texas in the next few years. Yes, the company has announced it is consolidating its three manufacturing, sales and marketing operations in one location in Plano, Texas, which is a northern suburb of Dallas.


9 Reasons the Samsung Gear 2 is Google Glass Minus the Glasshole

Judie and I bought Google Glass a few months ago. We enjoyed taking pictures and shooting video with them, but post-CES 2014, we sold ours. The reason? Glass is fun and innovative, but it’s not ready for prime time. My Samsung Galaxy S5 and Gear 2 are. Yes, Gear is Google Glass without the glasshole. Here are nine reasons why.


Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Available May 1; Preorders Start Today

The popular Samsung Galaxy Tab line is getting an update with the new Galaxy Tab 4. There will be three different sizes available, with  7-, 8-, and 10.1-inch WiFi-only models in black or white that will be available for preorder on the 24th, and will officially go on sale May 1. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon will be offering the 4G LTE versions this summer.


UK’s Bayan Audio Invades North America with Sound

Bayan Audio, a British audio brand “dedicated to fusing unparalleled acoustic performance with superb design” is coming to North America. The company, first launched in 2011, has already been available in the UK, Germany and eight other markets. Now the British are coming as they arrive in the US and Canada with availability through Amazon and then independent retailers.



Let Your Pictures Take to the Sky with Eyefi Cloud

I’ve long known Eyefi to be a great way to wirelessly send images from my camera to my computer or mobile device. My Sony RX100 doesn’t have the WiFi of my NEX-6 so an EyeFi card is a must for me when I use it on the go. Now the company is upping the anti with their Eyefi Cloud service.



G5 Entertainment Makes Twin Moons Free Through Easter Weekend!

Last year I reviewed the iPad version of Twin Moons, raving about the experience and saying “adding choice to an already excellent game simply tips the scales just that much further.” And from now through April 20th you can get this fun hidden object adventure from Cateia and G5 for free on all platforms including iOS, Android and more!


Scout for iPhone App Updated to Include In-Route Suggestions

The Scout for iPhone app was already a great personal navigator powered by over 100 million traffic sources, and loaded with “traffic-conquering tools designed specifically for when you’re on the go”, but now it is even more powerful. Now you can search for popular food and drink places along your route while navigating, and you’ll get cheap parking guidance, too. Ever had a craving for a snack or needed gas on a road trip? Most GPS navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps don’t let you search while you’re already navigating. Those that do forget you’re already headed somewhere, which means…


What Do You Do When Paid-For Android Apps Disappear?

After purchasing my Galaxy Note 3, I did what most people do — I loaded all of my favorite Android apps. One of these was the paid app Weatherbug Elite,  which I had originally bought for the G1. Unfortunately, it is no longer supported or in the Play Store — the only available version is the unpaid (and ad-riddled) version.


Even an Arachnophobe Will Love the Harman Sound Spider

I had a meeting at the Harman International flagship store in Manhattan yesterday. I arrived early, so I spent some time checking out the store. While there, I helped sell a pair of JBL S400BT wireless headphones, and I took a closer look at the Harman Sound Spider; it lets you listen to headphones before you buy.


Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases Brings Sweet Protection

Did you pick up a Samsung Galaxy S5 this weekend? If you answered “Yes” you’ll want to make sure to keep Samsung’s latest super-phone safe. Speck’s got you covered with three different styles of Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 cases. We’ve got a bunch in hand. Here’s a quick overview. Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 Speck brings their classic CandyShell design to the S5 in five different colors. The cases offer “the best of both worlds”: Samsung Galaxy S5 cases that looks as good as they protect. Combining great colors, military-grade drop protection and a dual-layer design that…


Element Case Recon for Samsung Galaxy S5 Line Is on the Way

My Samsung Galaxy S5 is in route to me, and I’m a bit excited. I’m excited that Element Case is rolling out an entire line of cases for the Galaxy S5, AND they will work with existing mounts. Called the Recon, the cases are currently available for preorder; we’ve got a sneak peek at what is on the way.


Chili’s is Now Serving Up. . . Tablets?

Like many other mid-level restaurants these days, Chili’s is attempting to redefine itself to avoid becoming almost irrelevant–just witness what has happened to Olive Garden and Red Lobster in the last year. With remodeled restaurants, plenty of fresh new menu items, aggressive couponing and promotions, and now touchscreen tabletop kiosks, Chili’s is looking to engage tech-savvy customers and enhance sales.


Heartbleed Security Issue Prompts Password Change Notices

The Heartbleed Security Issue is here. I tried out the Leap Motion controller last year; it’s a “hands free” device (small box) the connects to Mac and PC computers with accompanying software where hand gestures look to replace the traditional computer mouse during interactions. This service recently sent me the following notice regarding the Heartbleed Security Issue:


CONTOUR POV Action Cameras Are Back!

I was a big fan of the CONTOUR ROAM2 Action Camera. It was simple to use, simple to mount and took great video. Sadly the company suddenly closed its doors last summer. I was bummed because I really do love using the review sample. Now the company has relaunched and is once again offering their great CONTOUR POV Action Cameras.


Ford Focus Best-Selling Car in the World in 2013, All-new for 2015

The Ford Focus was just named the best-selling car in the world according to Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive, so what better way for the automaker to celebrate than change it? Ford recently debuted the new hatch and the next Focus sedan will bow at the New York International Auto Show next week.


Own a Mazda CX-9 or Honda Pilot? IIHS Has a Horror Movie For You

This year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety started a new crash test, the “small overlap test“. Effectively, this tests what happens when a front corner hits an obstacle, like a light pole or tree. Many, many cars have failed this test, but the videos of the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 may scare you away from driving all day! Check out the CX-9 crash test: And here’s the Honda Pilot test: Scary, right? Drive safely out there, and you can see how various cars have performed in these tests at the IIHS site. Via Jalopnik


Holy Grail Tempered Glass Screen Protector Winners

We reviewed the Sir Lancelot’s Armor Holy Grail Tempered Glass Screen Protector and announced it was shipping and widely available. We also had one black and one white screen protector for the iPhone 5S away. Well, the winners have been picked and they are… I have one of these screen protectors on my iPhone 5S and love it. I finally got a screen protector on my iPhone without bubbles and, unless you are looking for it, you can’t even tell it is there. We are thrilled that two more iPhones are going to be protected by these great accessories. Winners…


Nokia Lumia 1020 Contract Free – $499 At Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is showing this contract-free AT&T Nokia Lumia 1020 for $499. Compare to AT&T with a $609 no-contract cost. The phone is lauded by most for its 41 megapixel camera and 4.5″ PureMotion display. Windows Phone is  a mobile operating system in progress, but this is a great deal if your main concern is beautiful photos.