Reviews

DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket Service Review on PlayStation 4

DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket service celebrates 20 years with a new service called “Fantasy Zone” that compliments the well established “Red Zone” service for subscribers and non-subscribers. In the 10-year old “Red Zone” viewers get live, commercial-free coverage that automatically switches to another game when a team is in scoring position or an important event is happening.


IOGEAR MediaShair Hub is a Mobile Swiss Army Knife

All too often devices that need to serve too many purposes end up being a jack of all trades and a master of none. That is not the case with the IOGEAR MediaShair Hub with SD/USB Input and Built-in Power Station. It is a jack of all trades and a it plays with a full deck.


Get to Work with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad Air

I was in Washington DC for the first of four quick trips I’ll be taking in the coming weeks. The overnight was punctuated by a series of back to back meetings at which I took copious notes. Having the right tools was key. The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad Air let me keep up with the information flow.


Governor of Poker Review on Nintendo 3DS

Youdagames’ flagship game Governor of Poker debuts in the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS handheld console in Europe and the United States. This award-winning game is best for poker players with some experience while the controls are easy-to-use for everyone. Governor of Poker was previously released on PC, Mac, Facebook, Android, iOS with a sequel.


A Single TYLT SYNCABLE-DUO Charge-and-Sync Cable Is All You Need

If you use an Android device all of your mobile gadgetry likely uses the same microUSB sync/charge cable. If, on the other hand, you use an iOS device you need to both a Lightning connector cable for that device and a microUSB cable for everything else. The new TYLT SYNCABLE-DUO Charge-and-Sync Cable will let you carry a single cable.


Kwikset Kevo Is the Door Lock for the 21st Century and Beyond

A few years ago I set out to turn my mid 1970s home into an “after-market smart home.” At that time, I turned to a specific company. Since then I’ve taken a more individual approach that focuses on specific “best-in-class” products that work well, but are not part of an overall integrated system; the Kwikset Kevo is one such product.


Madden NFL 15 Review (Standard Edition) on PlayStation 4

Publisher Electronic Arts Inc. and developer EA Tiburon continue the grand tradition of this obsession called football (U.S. version) with another successful and comprehensive remediation of the NFL experience in Madden NFL 15. This 26th installment of the venerable sports simulation series succeeds especially with comprehensive game mode enhancements, noticeable defensive improvements, and improved graphics using the Ignite engine.


Rock Your Ride With the Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker

The sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker market has grown seemingly exponentially over the past few years, to the point where a speaker needs something special to distinguish itself. The Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker actually has that “something special”, and it makes this $69.99 speaker worth a second look.


Kogan Agora 4G by BenQ Review: Budget with Benefits

Many would cringe at the idea of spending near $1,000 outright on a smartphone. That’s where quality budget devices step in, offering most of the benefits, without the price tag. The Kogan Agora 4G by BenQ looks to take a slice of the pie, with specifications that on the surface, offer plenty of performance and features for a bargain price.


EyeFly 3D Nanoglass: Will It Protect the iPhone In 3D?

It is always smart to utilize a screen protector to keep your iPhone screen safe and sound. What if you were able to protect the precious screen while also achieving 3D media viewing? This is actually possible with the EyeFly 3D Nanoglass screen protector. For just $29.95, the screen protector and free apps promise to bring the iPhone to life. 


The Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci Review: Intelligently Vape Herb Blends

WARNING: The products discussed may contain or use nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical; in many cities and a few states, you must be 21 to purchase vaping products and/or products containing nicotine. Please familiarize yourself with and obey the law in your location. About a month ago, I went over to a cousin’s house and noticed for the first time that he had a small hookah on a side table in his sitting room. It made me feel less self-conscious about mentioning that I was soon going to review the Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci. You would think that things like this shouldn’t matter, but…


Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller: A Fantastic All-Around Stroller!

The stroller is probably the most important items you own when you have a baby (besides maybe the crib). It is a means to transport the baby, but it’s also a gateway to getting outside, especially if you have a jogging stroller. There’s no shortage of choices, and today we are looking at the Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller.


Terrapin Hybrid Rubberized Sony Xperia Z2 Case: Affordable Protection

Inexpensive cases that offer some degree of protection for the Sony Xperia Z2 are widely available. They add a dash of color to the phone and give you that extra bit of coverage you’ll want when carrying something as pricey as this super phone. The Terrapin Hybrid Rubberized Sony Xperia Z2 case is one great, affordable example.


“Theater To Go”, Thanks to the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 – Part One

I’ve heard of churches using projectors to beam words to songs, images, and page numbers onto a screen during services, and we’ve been considering it for our sanctuary; we wanted to test it out during the summer. Fortunately, I had a review sample of the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 2D/3D 1080p 3LCD Projector in hand.   It turns out that the projector is phenomenal for home use, and it held its own during services as well.


GMYLE Hard Case Metallic Color, a Sony Xperia Z2 Case Review

Looking for an inexpensive way to protect your Sony Xperia Z2? Still want to be able to access the magnetic charging port and the lanyard holes? The GMYLE Hard Case Metallic Color Sony Xperia Z2 Case may be the case for you. Best of all this case is under $7.00! Here’s our video review.


Tomodachi Life Review on Nintendo 3DS

Tomodachi Life keeps a social focus through a unique Japanese cultural perspective where players care for their Miis. Feeding, nursing, and entertaining are the main course on the life simulation menu here. Players’ main goal is getting their virtual person to meet that special someone while populating an island setting with their Miis – Nintendo’s current player avatars.


Altec Lansing Life Jacket is a Top Tier Rugged Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet rugged Bluetooth speaker, the Altec Lansing Life Jacket should be at the top of your list. The Life Jacket is waterproof, shock-resistant, and it is built to withstand dirt and dust. This portable speaker can pump out the jams at a tailgate or on a rafting trip. The Life Jacket’s MSRP is $149.99.



NEAT Glass: Ultimate Spirits Glass Opens Up a World of Aromas

Most Gear Diary readers probably don’t know, but my regular day gig is as a food and drink writer for online and print media outlets. Through that job, I am lucky enough to sample many different wines and spirits. But sometimes it’s difficult to detect the subtle nuances of spirits. Well, it was difficult until I discovered the NEAT glass.


Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver

If you care about your music, then you simply must check out the $189 Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver. And since Audioengine offers a no-strings attached “30 Day Audition”, there’s no reason NOT to check it out and add high-quality Bluetooth streaming to your current sound system. Easy to set up, it will be music to your ears.


TYLT ENERGI 2K Travel Charger Review: Brightly Doubles Your Battery Life

Leaving aside Samsung’s cute commercial bashing iOS Device battery life, external portable battery packs are a reality of modern-day mobile living. Our devices are simply too power-hungry, and recharging on the go is a must. The TYLT ENERGI 2K Travel Charger is a stylish and convenient way to do just that. Best of all it costs under $40.