Reviews


Ilumi LED Smartbulb Boasts Impressive Feature Set, Performance Disappoints

The ilumi smartbulb brings a ton of features to a previously “dumb” appliance. Unscrew your boring old light bulb and screw in the ilumi smartbulb and you’ll get a highly efficient, color changing, music sync’d, presence detecting light bulb that can be controlled by your smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity. You can get yourself an ilumi A19 smartbulb for $59.99.


With the JBL CLIP 2, Summer Just Got a New BFF

We are fans of JBL audio products and the new JBL Clip 2 is no exception. The small Bluetooth speaker packs a punch, but that’s just the beginning. It gets great battery life, doubles as a speakerphone, has an integrated carabiner clip, and for good measure is waterproof. And with a price under $60, it’s a steal! The speaker is small and, except for the integrated carabiner clip, is fairly nondescript. My review sample came in black so it looks a bit like an overly thick hockey puck. If you are not going for the hockey puck look you can…




Exos-Gear Bravo Series Backpack Review

I recently reviewed the commuter series pack from Exos-Gear and have enjoyed using it with my every day computer gear. The company also has a tactical style backpack called the Bravo Series, which retails for $37.95.  While I had planned on using the backpack as my new shooting bag, I actually found an unintended use that works out great.


Ultimate Ears Rolls Out the UE ROLL 2

“Designed to take your music wherever, whenever, UE ROLL 2 is the perfect musical companion for your next adventure.” That’s how Ultimate Ears describes the new UE Roll 2 Bluetooth Speaker. I describe it as a worthy update to one of my favorite portable Bluetooth speakers. It offers all-around improvements AND is under $100! The UE Roll is a magnificent little speaker. (Read my review about it here!) It’s small, unassuming size belies the loud, impressive sound it puts out. It’s sandwich roll shape shuns the boxy or cylindrical shape of most Bluetooth speakers. And it’s free, downloadable companion app lets…



Vega Protein Powder and Preworkout supplement

Protein powder and other supplements can be controversial. Some see them as a useful tool to aid in meeting nutritional goals, or in recovering or prepping for workouts, while others doubt their efficacy. Adding to the complication is that most protein powders are whey (dairy) based; there is an alternative for vegans and anyone who avoids dairy with Vega supplements!



Focal Sphear In-Ear Headphones Deliver Exceptional Sound and Comfort

French audio manufacturer, Focal, has hit another home run with their Sphear high-resolution in-ear headphones. These audiophile-quality headphones are noise isolating, provide excellent sound quality, and come with all of the accouterments you’d expect from a high-end set of headphones. Equipped with an in-line remote control button and separate in-line microphone, these versatile headphones can be yours for around $149.


Where Angels Cry 2: Tears of the Fallen HD for iPad Review

Three years ago I reviewed the original Where Angels Cry for the iPad, enjoying the adventure game feel and sustained mystery storytelling style but noting frustration with a few bugs I encountered in the help and quest systems. The sequel, Where Angels Cry 2: Tears of the Fallen, continues the immersive mystery storytelling, but this time I was never frustrated or stopped by any issues, it was just a great adventure from start to finish! Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here); available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Cateia Games…




Exos-Gear Commuter Series Backpack Review

As technology becomes more mobile, options to carry our gear becomes important. Personally, I prefer carrying backpacks. Not sure if its because I work in a school setting, or I just like the style. I recently was able to try out the Commuter Series from Exos-Gear ($29.95). I filled it with some gear and headed out. Let’s take a look! 




Kogan Agora 6 Review: Fast, Cheap and Good

In the film and television industry, we have an expression: fast, cheap, and good; pick any two. It no longer costs a fortune to get a smartphone with good performance, a decent screen, and 4G connectivity. But for under AU$200 unlocked, how good can it be? Kogan has sent across their latest own-brand smartphone to find out.


Libratone ZIPP, Is It Worth the Extra $50 Over the ZIPP MINI?

We recently took a look at the new Libratone ZIPP MINI. I was impressed with the design, the features and, especially, the sound. The ZIPP MINI is, as the name suggests, the smaller version of the Libratone ZIPP. That begs the question, what do you get for the extra $50 you’ll pay for the regular ZIPP?


The Nox Smart Sleep System Holistically Monitors and Improves Your Sleep

The Nox Smart Sleep System combines the Nox, a smart sleep light; RestOn, a non-wearable sleep sensor; and the Sleepace mobile application to monitor, track, and improve your sleep. The Nox will provide soft sleep-inducing light and sound while you are falling asleep, the RestOn will monitor your sleep, and the Nox will wake you naturally with light and sound.