For years, professional photographers and filmmakers have been using light meters to tell them just how bright or dim the scene being recorded is but these handheld meters are rather pricey. The Luxi system from Extrasensory Devices is a diffusion dome attachment that clips on your iPhone and provides a very good, very affordable alternative to those expensive professional meters.
Here’s a rather neat smartphone accessory that is remarkably simple. USBFever’s Touch-Clip Silicone Stand is an inexpensive and low-profile stand that attaches to your smartphone’s back. When you need to prop the phone up you simply touch the stand in the middle and it pops into action. Best of all it is just $2.99.
I was long a fan of using the most minimalist iPhone case possible. And while I still love thin, light cases, I now lean more toward heavier cases with more personality. But were I using a super-thin case, Bodyguardz The Slim would be my case of choice. It’s inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and gets the job done.
The UE BOOM from Logitech is one of the standout portable Bluetooth speakers we have had the chance to review. The $199.99 speaker looks great, is tough as nails and, best of all, sounds awesome. Check out our review here and update news here. Just in time for Valentines Day you can customize the speaker.
I’ve long been a fan of Livescribe’s smartpens. I purchased the very first one and used it constantly. Updates to the hardware and software since then have been notable evolutionary steps forward. With the Livescribe 3 Smartpen, the device takes a huge leap forward, and in the process becomes an extension of your phone or tablet. It is awesome.
Dan likes to tease me that when we’re together working, he never sees me wearing headphones; he says he just doesn’t see me as the type person to wear them. Well Dan, I may use them differently than you do, but I most definitely do wear headphones. These days the Harman Kardon Soho headphones are my favorites; here’s why …
We received a marketing email from Case-Mate this morning that’s left me scratching my head. No, it’s not that they’re still pushing overpriced bedazzled cases, nor is it that they think the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift is an iPhone case; it’s that they imply case choices are very clearly gendered: men need rugged cases, but women want sparkly ones.
Every now and then a device accessory comes along that simply stands out in a crowded market. That is the case with the Flote M2 Tablet Stand we recently reviewed and it is the case with the Henge Dock Gravitas Lightning. Simply put, if you have an iOS device equipped with a Lightning connector this is the best dock around.
If you prefer a slider-style case for your iPhone 5S, then you’ll want to check out Bodyguardz Link. Available in six colors, the $29.95 case is a simple and stylish way to add color and protection to your iPhone 5S. Here’s a look at our CES 2014 review sample; stay tuned because we will be giving the sample away!
The other night I attended an event in NYC. I knew security would be tight — metal detectors, wanding etc- so I opted to bring only my wallet and my iPhone. Big mistake, since my iPhone was down to just 35% when I arrived. I truly wish I had brought the TYLT ENERGI 5K+ battery pack along for the evening.
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…
I’ve tried several glass screen protectors, and I can say without reservation that they are my favorite type. What better way to interact with your glass touchscreen than by touching glass? What better way to protect your screen than by offering a surrogate when a sacrifice must be made? The $34.99 Ventev Toughglass is my latest test subject. Inside the package are a few items that you’re probably used to seeing come with all screen protectors — a small microfiber cloth and a squeegee. I been applying screen protectors to my devices since the early days, and I generally won’t use…
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.
I noticed the smell before I saw the smoke: I looked to my right, and that’s where I saw the problem — tiny sparks and a rapidly melting sheath near the end of the Apple cable that was charging my iPhone 5S. I immediately unplugged it before flames took over; crisis averted, but why did it happen?
If you are looking for a speaker that offers big, bold, impressive sound… Stop reading and move to the next article here on Gear Diary. If, however, you want something simple, inexpensive and easy to use, the Nude Audio Move S Wired portable wired speaker may be the perfect speaker or speakers for you.
We recently took a look at the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive. It is a great accessory but one that is not without its flaws. The good news is that its big brother, the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive, answers many of those shortcomings. It is a simple way to add 32 or 64GB of storage on the go!
Having a simple but functional tablet or phone stand with you all the time is a great way to get the most out of your mobile device. And at under $20 for a two-pack, the Kanex Foldable iDevice is an inexpensive way to make that happen. Small, inexpensive, and highly functional it is a great little gadget.
My iPhone-shopping brother-in-law wrote, “I think I know the answer, but is 32GB enough capacity for normal users? I do not have tremendous amounts of data and generally don’t store much in the way of videos.” iPhone storage capacity is a potential issue, but it is one that’s easily resolved thanks to the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive.
One of the things I love about CES is that it gives me an opportunity to wander aisles filled with products from companies that I might never have discovered otherwise. Tucked in an out of the way area that we almost didn’t explore, Dan and I found iFace; they make some of the best-looking protective cases available.
Technology Predictions for 2014 are here and it’s a predictable theme – new ways to offer the most popular tech. We put a lot of value in technology and media, so we don’t feel important unless we’re doing something with it…and quickly. Here are some predictions for tech trends in 2014.
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.