Android Gear

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.



Color Cables Glow, End Fight Over Whose Cable Is Whose

Color Cables is an Indiegogo campaign running through midnight April 6, 2014. Their goal is to raise $20,000 with which they hope to offer cables for charging and synchronizing your MicroUSB and iOS (30 pin and lightning) devices. But these are no ordinary cables; according to the company each cable glows, is colored, and won’t tangle.



Proporta Announces Accessories for the New Samsung Galaxy S5

With a new smartphone announcement comes the inevitable stream of new smartphone accessories.  Such is the case with the new Samsung Galaxy S5 introduction at Mobile World Conference.  Proporta, a British accessory purveyor has announced a new line of Galaxy S5 accessories, featuring collaborations with Quiksilver and Barbour.  Check out Proporta’s full line of Galaxy S5 accessories at their website.


X-Doria Announces Case Lineup For Samsung Galaxy S5

There is a large number of people excited about the Samsung Galaxy S5 recently announced at Mobile World Congress. With a new phone comes new cases and accessories. X-Doria has announced three cases and a screen protector. The products will be available from X-Doria’s Amazon Marketplace and for pre-order from the X-Doria website. Prices range from $24.99 to $29.99. 


iLuv Debuts Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases

Samsung announced the Galaxy S5 this week at Mobile World Congress, so naturally it is time to start seeing some accessories for the new phone. iLuv has introduced a line of cases that promise to be stylish, protective and functional. There are also three screen film options ranging from $9.99 to $19.99. The cases retail from $19.99 to $69.99. Preorder at the iLuve website.


Sony Xperia M2 Hands-On

Sony knows not every consumer is on the bleeding edge of technology, but they still want a great smartphone experience. The Sony Xperia M2 is a mid-range Android product with big-time specs, from a 4.8″ screen to an 8 megapixel camera with various Sony apps to perfect every shot. Check out the hands-on video below for all the details!


Sony Xperia Z2 Smartphone and Tablet Accessories

Sony is showing off the accessories for their new Sony Xperia Z2 Smartphone and Tablet. Among them are a quality XY microphone, a noise canceling headset that uses the smartphone as the brains of the cancellation, a waterproof SmartBand fitness band, and a totally cool tablet remote that doubles as a handset for making calls via tablet. Check the video for pricing. Here’s a closer look at some of the key accessories.  


Samsung’s Gear 2 and Gear Fit Take Fitness Bands to a Whole New Level

I’ve tried the FitBit Flex, Nike Fuel, and Jawbone UP; while each fitness band had its positive points, there always seems to be something … lacking. At their event last night, Samsung introduced their Gear 2 and Gear Fit watches; one of these may be the all-in-one watch and fitness band combo I’ve been waiting for.


Hands-On with the Sony Xperia Z2 – the Waterproof Superphone

Sony’s new flagship, the Xperia Z2, promises to be even better than its predecessor. It’s waterproof in freshwater for up to 5 feet and 30 minutes, has 4K video capability, and a gorgeous 5.2″ screen. I’ve had some hands-on time with one, and I love the glass body and build quality. Click through for more pics and a video walk-through.


Sony Plays It Premium with New Xperia Devices at MWC

  Sony has continued to struggle in many ways, yet at the same time keeps producing some amazing gear – and at MWC the trend continues. Today at MWC Sony launches new Xperia devices including the Xperia Z2, the Tablet Z2 and the mid-range M2. Each of these bring competitive prices, high-end features, slick designs and the legendary Sony build quality.


Plantronics BackBeat FIT on Display at MWC 2014

We brought word of the new Plantronics BackBeat FIT yesterday and posted a first look video. (See it.) Judie spent some time with both colors of the new stereo Bluetooth headset at MWC 2014. They look great, have nice specs and, most importantly, the sound terrific. The BackBeat FIT arrives in April but you can check out the gallery now.


Bear Motion Premium Folio Case with Bluetooth Keyboard Review

When I got my 2013 edition of the Nexus 7, the thing I needed most was a keyboard. I loved using the keyboard on my EeePad Transformer. When I came across the Bear Motion Folio case that includes a Bluetooth keyboard, I picked it up and it has made a world of difference in what I can actually do with my Nexus 7.



Keep Your Pebble Extra Pebbly with SlickWraps

When Pebble announced the new Pebble App Store I was intrigued. I was an original backer of the Pebble but sold mine when it came. I went out and picked up a new one and realized I needed to find a way to keep it from scratching. That’s where SlickWraps Pebble Watch Color Series Matte Black protection came in.


Ifrogz Script Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 – Low Profile Protection

By today’s standards the Samsung GALAXY Note 8.0 is an old device. That may be true, but it is still a highly capable Android tablet that offers speed, a nice screen, an IR Blaster and a stylus. For tablets the right case makes a huge difference, and the ifrogz Script Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is “the right case”.