Android Gear

Life With the Sony Xperia Z2: One Headset to Rule Them All

While Judie and I were together last weekend, we discussed the features of the Sony Xperia Z2 we find most compelling. We both said we love the magnetic charging point that lets us quickly charge the phone. Having just flown to Israel, I have to say the built-in noise cancellation has now risen to the top of my list.


Huawei Ascend Mate2 Review: Big Phone Little Price

Are you someone who spends more time on your phone texting, emailing, checking social media, and surfing than you actually do making calls? I am, and that’s why I’m intrigued by some of the larger devices available today, including the new Huawei Ascend Mate2. This $299.99 phone with the 6.1 screen might allow you to leave your tablet at home!


The 128GB SanDisk MicroSDXC Is a Tiny Powerhouse

One thing that most Android phones get right, and that Apple (and many Windows Phones) still hasn’t, is the ability to add extended memory. The largest amount of memory any mobile phone can be purchased with is 64GB. Thanks to the 128GB SanDisk MicroSDXC I recently received and added to my Sony Xperia Z2, I now have 130.57GB. WHOA!


Sony Style Cover Stand SCR10 Xperia Z2 Case Review

This is our third Sony Xperia Z2 Case Review, and it’s the case I am using daily. The Sony Style Cover Stand SCR10 Xperia Z2 is the case that comes directly from Sony. Well, to be accurate, from Sony via an importer. The case cost me a little bit less than $30; here’s why am I such a fan.


The Martian Notifier Watch Does What it Does and Does it Well

The Martian Notifier is my favorite kind of watch. Not only does it serve it’s true purpose well, telling the time, it also can notify you when you have new alerts on your phone. It’s a device that does what it’s meant to and not much more…and that’s what makes it great. You can purchase the Notifier for $129.


Roxfit Slimline Is a Terrific Sony Xperia Z2 Case

While case options for protecting the Sony Xperia Z2 are not nearly as numerous as those for the Apple iPhone 5S, there are some decent options; the Roxfit Slimline Sony Xperia Z2 Case is one such example. At under $30 it looks and feels great. More to the point, it does a good job protecting the device.



Spigen GLAStR NANO SLIM Screen Protector for Sony Xperia Z2

My search for the best way to protect my new Sony Xperia Z2 led me to the Spigen GLAStR NANO SLIM Screen Protector. At $39.99 it is a pricey proposition, but if you want excellent protection with no loss of clarity or sensitivity, it can’t be beat. Thankfully, for your $40 expenditure you get both screen AND back protection.


iBolt SPro2 Connect and MiniPro Connect Car Mount Review

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?



Pelican Announces its ProGear Voyager Rugged Case for Samsung Galaxy S5

Pelican just announced the launch of their new Pelican ProGear Voyager Rugged Phone Case for the Samsung Galaxy S5. Pelican’s ProGear Voyager line of rugged phone cases provides ample (read: military grade) drop, dust, and screen protection, all while maintaining a very slim figure. The ProGear Voyager for Samsung Galaxy S5 is available exclusively through AT&T for $50.


Amazon Jumps Into the Smartphone Business with the Amazon Fire Phone

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…


Poetic FlipBook for Sony Xperia Z2 is Inexpensive but Not Cheap

My search for a case for the Sony Xperia Z2 led me to the Poetic FlipBook. I was initially skeptical. After all, the case has an MSRP of just $14.95. Still, for that price I figured it was worth checking it out. When the case arrived I was more than pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. Inexpensive doesn’t mean cheap.


Sony SmartBand SWR10 First Look Video

The Sony SmartBand SWR10 is Sony’s current fitness band offering. Specifically designed to work with phones like my Xperia Z2, it also works with a number of other Android devices. Available in a variety of colors, the Smartband works in tandem with the Lifelog App to record your activity and much more. I got mine yesterday, and I’m already impressed.



Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 – Wooden Elegance

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a powerful smartphone that has Samsung at the top of their game. A device this powerful and feature-packed deserves better than the cheap plastic case Samsung continues to insist upon using. The Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 helps correct this shortcoming. It looks great and protects in the process.


Smartwatch Shootout, A Quick Design Overview

2014 has definitely turned into the year of the “wearable” and the smartwatch has been leading the pack. Android Wear is on the way and Apple has yet to announce, let along release their offering. That means there’s much more to come this year. There are already some compelling options on the market and they have a range of prices.


Oberon Design Samsung Galaxy S5 Leather Case Review: Affordable Luxury

Judie has reviewed a number of different offerings from Oberon Design and been impressed by them all. The gorgeous designs, quality leather, and impressive craftsmanship come together to create some beautiful cases and bags. This time out we are looking at the Oberon Design Samsung Galaxy S5 Leather Case. It is gorgeous, and at under $40, it is surprisingly affordable.


Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Review

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition showcases several easy-to-use practical functions. It has a large display, considerable battery life, unique S Pen features, fast quad-core processor, and dual cameras. This tablet has 3GB of RAM and includes memory up to 32GB. Models include SM-p600 Wi-Fi; SM-P601 3G; SM-P605 3G+LTE and SM-P600 (no support for GSM voice communication, SMS, and MMS).


The Calypso Crystal Calypso Tag Review: Travel in Sync

You have a luggage tag on your carry-on or your checked luggage, right? But can your luggage tag attract attention because it’s so brightly colored, tell you when your bag is nearby, alert you when it has been moved away, tell you where it last was, or tell you the temperature? Because of the Calypso Crystal Calypso Tag, mine can.


Cheero is Bringing its DANBOARD Mobile Chargers to the US Market

cheero, USA has just announced its new Power Plus version of the DANBOARD mobile charging device, packing 10,400 mAh of battery power into a small, and mighty cute package. Also available is the DANBOARD Mini, which is no slouch, packing 6,000 mAh of batter power. Cheero’s DANBOARD mobile battery packs are now available on Amazon.