Android Gear



PowerStick PowerTrip Is the Swiss Army Knife of External Batteries

If you are in the market for an external battery that offers decent capacity, doesn’t require an extra cable for charging, includes flash storage for your “must always have” files, and can be personalized — look no further than the PowerStick PowerTrip. This $99 external battery even charges via the sun. It truly is the Swiss Army Knife of External Batteries.


Oberon Design Leather iPhone 5S Case: An Artisanal Leather Masterpiece

Oberon Design is similar to other high-end mobile device case makers, because they offer beautifully designed items made with hand-crafted leather. However, Oberon Design sets themselves apart from all other companies, because they offer hand-crafted artisanal leather masterpieces that just so happen to also hold and protect your mobile devices; their new leather iPhone 5 case is a perfect example.


Mobile Edge’s UrgentPower DX 5200 Review: Immediate Power for All!

Perhaps one day, mobile phones will be invented that have batteries that recharge themselves as the person carrying them walks around. Until then, we’ll have to continue relying upon charging cords, AC/DC adapters, and extended batteries. If you’re still shopping for a mini power plant, Mobile Edge‘s UrgentPower DX 5200 is small enough to carry around for unforeseen charging emergencies.


My Sony Xperia Z2 Is Big, Purple, and Gorgeous

Of all the phones that I saw at MWC, the Sony Xperia Z2 was the one I returned determined to buy. With its 5.2″ Display, 20.7 megapixel rear-facing camera, 4K camcorder, generous battery, and its IP55/IP58 waterproof and dust-proof rating, the Z2’s specs were pretty impressive. I’ve purchased a Z2, and I’ve made it my daily-driver. Here are some highlights.


10 Reasons This iPhone-User Is Happy with the Samsung Galaxy S5

I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S5 for over a week and a half. and don’t see myself putting it down anytime soon. That’s surprising, since the only time I’ve seriously used Android phones has been to review them; I’m not using this to review it, rather I’m using it because I like it. Here are ten reasons why:  


STM Grip 2 for the HTC One M8: Minimal Perfection!

I’ve made no secret of how much I love my new HTC One M8, except how very, very slippery it can be. Since I don’t love big bulky cases, I’ve been hunting for slim but grippy solutions. STM asked us to take a look at their STM Grip 2 for the One, and it might just be the perfect minimalist solution!


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.


DRACOdesign SUPERNOVA Aluminum Bumper for Samsung Galaxy S5

One criticism (warranted) of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is that, by sticking with the plastic body for this generation of their latest phone, Samsung has made a high-end phone that doesn’t feel so high-end. DRACOdesign has a solution to the “cheap plastic feel” of the phone with its $79.99 DRACOdesign SUPERNOVA Aluminum Bumper for Samsung Galaxy S5. Here’s a look.


Ventev Glide for Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

The other day we took a look at the Ventev glide for the iPhone 5S. A pouch-style leather case, it features the benefit of pushing your phone up and out of the pouch when you need to pull it out and use it. The company also offers the Ventev glide for Samsung Galaxy S5; here’s our video review.


Slickwraps Carbon Fiber Wrap for the HTC One M8 Review

I have never been enamored of skins for my smartphones. Over the years I’ve tried several, but I always found them to be too tacky, or they peeled immediately, or I couldn’t get the bubbles out. But when Slickwraps offered the chance to review their new HTC One M8 skins, I figured it was time to give skins another shot!


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.


Harman Kardon Onyx Studio – Power, Quality, & Good Looks

We recently took a first look at the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth speaker system with rechargeable battery. The power, the audio quality, and its sharp looks immediately impressed me. I’ve been using the speaker almost full-time at home since receiving it, and I wanted to do a more complete review. Short version: I love it!


Wake Up Rocking with the Soundfreaq Sound Rise

Last year Soundfreaq released a number of nicely priced Bluetooth speakers and docks with impressive features and excellent sound for the money. Now they have announced the availability of their newest speaker, the Soundfreaq Sound Rise. The Sound Rise is a modern take on the bedside alarm clock; it has all the features you want and then some.


The Bluelounge Kii Unlocks the Key to My Gear

Last week my keyring got a new addition — the Bluelounge Kii Micro-USB. The Kii is a small sync/charge adapter looks like a simple key but opens to reveal a short but very practical USB-to-MicroUSB cable. At $24.95 (the Lightning Connector version is even more) it is a pricey accessory, but the convenience can’t be beat.


What’s Your Daily Driver Smartphone (and Why)?

When we talk about a daily driver device, we’re referring to a smartphone that’s with us no matter where we go — our primary way of communicating with the world, our most favored device which, for now, just might come as close to the perfect device as possible.


iBatzz Battstation Optimus 20400 Extended Battery: Enough Power to Share

It’s become a running joke that I always have to one-up my friend Helena when comparing our extended batteries at tech events. While I am certainly not consciously competing over which of us can carry the biggest battery, there is truth to the fact that I prefer larger extended batteries; the new iBatzz Battstation Optimus 20400 certainly fits this bill.


Karma Makes WiFi Sharing Simple

Our readers understand the importance of connectivity, because having access to the Internet has become a huge part of our lives; that’s why we pay a fortune for mobile data plans, and then we pay even more to connect additional devices. Karma Wi-Fi takes a different approach that is less expensive and surprisingly social.