Reviews

Kandinsky Effect Shines on Somnambulist

It’s been two years since I reviewed the album Synesthesia by The Kandinsky Effect, heaping praise on it saying “musicianship and communication throughout are stellar, there are free elements without being too far ‘out’, and the trio keeps the modern elements at the forefront without sacrificing the jazz foundation.” Now they are back with Somnambulist … and it’s even better.


When Do You Give Up on a Company? The Pivotal Living Story

A few weeks ago I reviewed the Pivotal Living fitness tracker, and I concluded the following: “Pivotal Living is a company to watch, and I think if the bugs and kinks get ironed out, the Pivotal Life 1 is a very cool product.” I wanted to give them a few months, but here’s the truth: Don’t buy it. just don’t.


ShotTracker Review: Improve Your Hoops Game

As a high school coach, I know the world of athletics has become incredibly competitive. In order to succeed, young athletes have to be willing to put in much more time than the allotted practice hours for a week. ShotTracker has developed a wearable device that assists basketball players to get workouts and track progress. Let’s take a look.





Stronglifts 5×5 App Review for Android: Handheld Encouragement

I am trying to get into better shape. After a minor knee surgery, my running routine fell completely apart. A good chunk of my injury was caused by muscle imbalances, so I set out to get into better shape with a strength training routine. I settled on the Stronglifts 5×5 workout; the Android app has been invaluable to my progress!



OtterBox Symmetry for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Case Review

Do you have a Note 4? If so, then you’re no doubt enjoying its gorgeous screen and all its amazing features — including its handy stylus. What you probably don’t love is knowing that if you drop your naked phablet, damage is inevitable. Give yourself peace of mind by installing an OtterBox Symmetry for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Case.



Blackfire Clamplight Backpack Review: Light Up Your Adventure

One truth in my world is that I am always up for a new pocket knife or flashlight. Maybe because I spend so much times in the woods, or maybe it is just a man thing. When I had the chance to review the Blackfire Clamplight Backpack, I jumped at the chance, and the $34.99 light spent hunting season with me.



Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 6 Is Three Products in One

One of the great things about being around the tech world is watching the way in which companies and product lines evolve. The TwelveSouth BookBook for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is a perfect example. The original BookBook was nice but flawed; a few product generations later, and the new BookBook is nothing short of a home run.


The Phorce Freedom Laptop Bag: Power on the Move!

It’s not that uncommon for us to review laptop bags that retail for $150+ and to add our own extended battery packs to the mix, but the $199 Phorce Freedom is the first we’ve reviewed that came with its own built-in 15,000 mAh power source. Why should you get this bag instead of creating your own with available components? 


A MacBook/iPad User’s Take on the Toshiba Chromebook 2

This post about the Toshiba Chromebook 2 has been a long time coming. It isn’t because I don’t like the machine. I do. Rather, it has taken time because I tried to see how it might fit into my workflow. I’ve come away from the experience impressed by what Google and Toshiba have done. Still, I need to come clean…


Adobe Releases Lightroom Mobile for Android: First Impressions

Since smartphones are the most popular cameras (because they go with us pretty much everywhere), it makes sense that as their image capture technology improves, so would the tools available for editing and sharing. Today Adobe announced that they were bringing their critically acclaimed photo editing platform to Android phones, and they are releasing Adobe Lightroom Mobile for Android!


Pivotal Life 1 Fitness Tracker Review

If you’ve been looking for a fitness tracker, your budget is probably in the $50 to $150 range. That’s reasonable for a connected pedometer/fitness data collector, but Pivotal Living disagrees. They see the value of fitness tracking in the service, not the hardware, so they sell a subscription model instead. $12 gets you one year of service and one Pivotal Life 1 band!



New iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Lens Attachments from USBFever.com

Now that you have had some time to get familiar with your new smart device, you may be starting to wish for some accessories to expand its functionality. A good place to start is with photography attachments and USBFever.com is a great place to begin your journey towards expanding your smart device photography portfolio.


Ion’s Clipster Active is a Superb, Versatile Bluetooth Speaker

Ion’s Clipster Active is a neat little portable Bluetooth speaker that can clip on to your gym bag or strap on to your bicycle. It’s single speaker pumps out surprisingly good sound while you can also use it to make phone calls with the built-in microphone. The Clipster Active can be used in many different ways and retails for $39.99.


Huawei Ascend P7 Android Smartphone Review

Huawei has been going from strength to strength of late, and the Huawei Ascend P7 looks to keep pace with the company’s ambitions. The latest flagship devices from Huawei are anything but cheap feeling, using a combination of metal, glass and high-quality plastic to give their devices a solid, premium feel.