Apple

The Alpine Power Duo Is the Best Affordable Upgrade You Can Make for Your Car Stereo

The biggest upgrade you can make to your car stereo these days is adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. Alpine’s ILX-W650 is a best-in-class in-dash digital multimedia receiver that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a shallow chassis with a 7″ capacitive touchscreen. Paired with Alpine’s KTA-450 amplifier, the value and features can’t be beaten.




Catalyst Has New Case Styles for Your Apple Products

Catalyst is mostly known for its protective but stylish cases for smartphones, tablets and yes, even AirPods. So it’s no surprise at CES 2020 the brand introduces five case styles for the first and second generation of the AirPods, and three designs for the newer AirPods Pro.


Mattel Adds Fun New Coding Lessons to Hot Wheels id, the Hot Holiday Toy

Right in time for Hour of Code Week 2019, Mattel is launching a new educational dimension to one of this year’s hottest holiday toy launches, Hot Wheels id. Hot Wheels id melds physical and digital play using NFC-enabled Hot Wheels cars to allow kids to test their cars in a virtual environment, including speed challenges and track building.



IntelliARMOR’s Case for Apple’s AirPods Is Made of Premium Leather

If you have AirPods or intend to get a pair, you should really invest in a case that will protect not only the pods themselves but the case that holds them from sustaining hairline scratches. There’s one case I’ve been using the past few weeks that have surprised me, and I think you should check out. Introducing the CarryOn by intelliARMOR, a hand-crafted leather case designed for the Apple AirPods. Available in three colors: black, brown and camel, each of the clips comes complete with a handy metal clip that is great for attaching your keys, maybe a Tile item…





Preview of iPad OS Beta: Are the Changes Big Enough to Matter?

At WWDC 2019, Apple announced the new iPad OS. Before I go too far, I want to caution you about loading this beta. If you use your iPad for anything mission critical, then it’s best to wait until the full release. With that said here are my thoughts on the biggest update to the iPad in years.



AirPower Disappears into VaporPower as Apple Cancels It Quietly

Bad news for the six people still holding out hope: AirPower is dead. Apple announced today that the iPhone/Watch/AirPod charging mat could not be made into a viable product. Also, they needed the manpower to get Apple Card up and running-those chamfered titanium edges don’t design themselves. If you were holding out and now need a wireless charging dock, Gear Diary has reviewed devices from Scosche, Satechi, TwelveSouth, Nomad, and many others. It may sting to know that you won’t be able to charge your headphones, watch AND phone all in a perfect, Apple-designed row, but at least there are…


Apple’s Event Recap: If Google Is Skynet, Then Apple Is…?

Unless you live under a rock, chances are you heard about Apple’s keynote Event live from the Steve Jobs Theatre on Monday morning. There were a few things announced that we can certainly get excited about, but there were more than a few that left me scratching my head, asking “why?”


The Supreme Arrogance of Apple’s Publishing Subscription Plans

There’s a cliché phrase, “If at first, you don’t succeed, try again”. Apparently, that’s how Apple feels about publishing, because they’re convinced their prior explosive failure at eBooks was a one-off, and they’ve got a great new subscription plan in the works. I’m sure publishers will love … wait, giving a 50% cut to Apple? Does Tim Cook have a head injury?


Apple Pay Is Coming to Target!

I love Apple Pay. It’s hands down my preferred way of paying for things. Yes, it’s secure and all, but really, I just like not having to whip out my wallet. Since <checking my budget> approximately 80% of my spending is at Target or Wegman’s, my wallet can now go on vacation since Target now accepts Apple Pay!



Nomad’s New Natural Leather Accessories for Your Apple Devices Are Gorgeous

Nomad makes excellent wares for Apple Products like Horween leather Apple Watch bands, cases, and their wireless chargers that are compatible with any Qi-Wireless charging devices. However, there were two specific things the brand was missing: A natural leather Apple Watch band for smaller wrists and a matching case to hold Airpods. Effective today, both are available for purchase.


Apple Music Coming to Amazon Echo Devices on December 17th!

In our house, more music is played through our Amazon Echo devices than anywhere else. We use Amazon Music, but also Pandora, Slacker and Spotify … and pretty soon Apple Music! Today Amazon announced on its blog that starting December 17th you will be able to add a new skill to Alexa: the ability to play songs and playlists from Apple Music!