Apple iPad Gear

With the Zoom iQ5 Your iOS Never Sounded So Good

Gear Bits January 24, 2014

With the Zoom iQ5 Your iOS Never Sounded So Good

The iPhone 5S shoots amazing video. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for audio. That’s where the Zoom iQ5 comes in. For under $100, the iQ5 plugs into any iOS device with a Lightning connector and captures impressively accurate audio. Using the free app makes it even better. Check out all the features and see it on video. The Zoom iQ5 comes in either black or white. The product tag line says it all- “Now your videos can sound as good as they look”. I hope it is true since this would be the ideal iOS accessory for shooting future…

Shake Up Your Sound With the earjax Echo by BodyGuardz

Reviews January 21, 2014

Shake Up Your Sound With the earjax Echo by BodyGuardz

We’re not sure if the earjax Echo by BodyGuardz intentionally look like large salt and pepper shakers, but they do indeed look like something you might see at a diner. Rather than add flavor to your food however, these shakers are all about music taste. $79.99 each, the earwax Echo pack some interesting features into a small footprint.

Soft-Tec Wallet Is Element Case Protection for Your iPad Mini

Reviews January 20, 2014

Soft-Tec Wallet Is Element Case Protection for Your iPad Mini

Element Case may have begun as an iPhone case company but they have steadily expanded their offerings. Judie recently reviewed two of their Samsung GALAXY S4 cases and was impressed. We’ve got one of their Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPad Mini cases in hand as well. Thanks to its simple but elegant styling it too has won us over.

Want the Maserati of Tablet Stands? Check Out the FLOTE m2!

Reviews January 16, 2014

Want the Maserati of Tablet Stands? Check Out the FLOTE m2!

One of Elana’s most oft-used phrases is, “You get what you pay for.” In the case of the pricey FLOTE m2 Floor Stand tablet stand that is indeed true. What you’ll pay for is the best tablet stand I have ever used, and I suspect that will remain true for quite some time.  

Our Visit With Element Case- A CES 2014 Booth Tour

Events January 16, 2014

Our Visit With Element Case- A CES 2014 Booth Tour

Judie and I have long been fans of Element Case and their various offerings. After our visit with them during CES 2014, that is more true than ever. Their cases are gorgeous, their offerings are expanding, and their philosophy permeates every aspect of their brand. Here are some images and videos from our time at the booth.

Henge Docks' Gravitas Brings Weight to the iPhone and iPad Dock Market

Gear Bits January 16, 2014

Henge Docks’ Gravitas Brings Weight to the iPhone and iPad Dock Market

If you want a great way to dock (and undock) your iPhone or iPad with just one hand look no further than the Henge Docks’ Gravitas. A weighty proposition constructed from a metal alloy 265% more dense that aluminum, the $89 dock looks great and promises to outlast your current device. We have a review sample on the way. 

Parrot MiniDrone Takes Flight at CES 2014

Events, Gear Bits January 16, 2014

Parrot MiniDrone Takes Flight at CES 2014

During CES 2014 Parrot introduced the MiniDrone. The small, less-expensive app-powered drone makes an immediate impression and looks like a ton of fun! Connect it to a smartphone or a tablet with Bluetooth Smart and watch it take flight. I asked the “pilot” to use Judie as a landing zone for the MiniDrone. They were happy to comply.  

UBOOLY Makes Smart Devices Fun and Educational

Gear Bits January 16, 2014

UBOOLY Makes Smart Devices Fun and Educational

UBOOLY is the “Smart Toy That Makes Your Smart Device Come to Life”. That’s the company tag line, and it’s also true. We dropped by the booth during CES 2014 and got the scoop. We are looking forward to hearing what Carly’s son Wyatt thinks. Check out our video look at the CES UBOOLY booth!

The Travelteq Lauren Leather iPad Handbag Will Make You Swoon

News & Features January 14, 2014

The Travelteq Lauren Leather iPad Handbag Will Make You Swoon

I’m pretty jaded when it comes to laptop bags, and it’s with good reason; I’ve been writing reviews for well over 13 years, and in that time I have seen and tried everything from the completely utilitarian to the somewhat sublime. So you’ll understand my surprise that the new Travelteq Lauren was able to stop me in my tracks …

IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro Review

Music Diary, Reviews January 13, 2014

IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro Review

Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multi-platform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is has released iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC.

Scosche Launches superCUBE at CES 2014? - Smallest 12W USB Wall Charger

Events, News & Features January 8, 2014

Scosche Launches superCUBE at CES 2014? – Smallest 12W USB Wall Charger

Over the last few years I have loved the moves to smaller and smaller chargign blocks for devices, which seems to be reversing as new ‘fast charge’ devices like iPad Air and Kindle Fire HDX require more power, meaning bigger blocks. So it was a welcome announcement that Scosche Launches superCUBE at CES 2014 – Smallest 12W USB Wall Charger. “Many of our customers have both Lighting and micro USB powered devices and become frustrated with how long a dedicated charger can take to power their other mobile devices,” said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President Scosche Industries. “superCUBE allows our…

Polaroid and iLuv Announcements from CES 2014!

Events, News & Features January 8, 2014

Polaroid and iLuv Announcements from CES 2014!

The stream of cool stuff continues with some cool looking new Polaroid and iLuv Announcements from CES 2014. The list of their introductions is insane and impossible to capture here, but it includes Polaroid cameras, tablets, smartphones, and Roku-ready HD TVs; and from iLuv no less than 14 speakers, earbuds, iPad folios and iPhone cases!

IK Multimedia Announces iRing at CES 2014

Events, Music Diary January 8, 2014

IK Multimedia Announces iRing at CES 2014

Since my wife bought me the original iRig a few years ago I have been a huge fan of stuff from IK Multimedia, currently absolutely loving the iRig Keys Pro. Now they are heading in a different direction as IK Multimedia announces iRing at CES 2014. iRing is the first motion-tracking controller for iOS music apps and offers unprecedented control.

Get a Grip With the TREWgrip Mobile QWERTY Keyboard for Tablets

Events, Gear Bits January 6, 2014

Get a Grip With the TREWgrip Mobile QWERTY Keyboard for Tablets

At CES Unveiled, Judie and I had a chance to spend some time with the TREWgrip Mobile QWERTY Keyboard. In under 20 hours of use, most people are typing as fast as they do on a desktop keyboard! Coming later this year for about $250, it promises to make tablet productivity better than ever. Check out our video look!

Soundfreaq announces the Sound Rise and Double Spot Just in Time for CES 2014

Events January 3, 2014

Soundfreaq announces the Sound Rise and Double Spot Just in Time for CES 2014

In 2013 we reviewed the Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning and the Soundfreaq Sound Spot. Both impressed with their sound, value, and design. Now Soundfreaq has announced two new products — the Sound Rise and the Double Spot. The Sound Rise is the company’s take on the alarm clock; the Double Spot is two Sound Spots in one.

PowerBinder Solar Charging Binder Review

Reviews December 23, 2013

PowerBinder Solar Charging Binder Review

It seems like today, most everyone spends at least some part of their day searching for a place to charge. The mobile gadget lifestyle is great, unless you are plagued with dead batteries. The PowerBinder strives to alleviate the daily plug search with solar panels and an internal battery. It comes in at $149 and can charge a phone 2.5 times.