Smartphones & Gear | Gear Diary

A Review of the Incase Level Case for the iPhone 7 Plus

The Incase Level Case for the iPhone 7 Plus ($49.95) is a shock-absorbing bumper case that’s not only original but adds to the beauty of Apple’s latest flagship phone. We had an opportunity to check out the case, and it’s personally a favorite. To be completely honest, I don’t think there’s an Incase iPhone 7 Plus case I haven’t enjoyed. Compared to others on the market, Incase tries their hardest to make their cases not only form-fitting to the iPhone itself, but all the while giving your particular case a bit of flair that you might not see the person next to you…

Reviews

Bragi ‘The Headphone’ Wireless Earphones: Better Than the Dash, but Not by a Mile

After reviewing the Bragi Dash last year, the popular wireless headphone company sent us over their latest truly wireless earphones, simply named ‘The Headphone’ to check out. We explore some of the differences between this and the previous model to see if Bragi is the truly wireless headphones worth purchasing.

Reviews

Is the RunIQ Smartwatch Truly a Watch for Runners?

Over the past month or so, I’ve been running exclusively with my RunIQ, the first ever Android smartwatch created by popular fitness cross trainer company New Balance. Announced earlier this year at CES 2017, the RunIQ has been putting my love for the Apple Watch to test in both practicality, and honestly… looks.

Reviews

Skybuds Cut the Cord for Good

After owning an iPhone 7 plus, no longer having the 3.5 mm headphone jack has really changed my listening habits. I do not want to use dongles, so my search is for everything wireless. I recently got a chance to try out Skybuds truly wireless earbuds ($219.99) and they are a good entry into the world without wires.

Events, News & Features

The Nokia 3310 Goes Back to the Basics

The Nokia 3310 was a phone with an iconic look that was as striking as it was simple. Now Nokia has brought it back- at least from an anesthetic perspective. As they put it, the 2017 Nokia 3310 is “A modern classic reimagined.” If you love retro gear you are going to love this phone.

Events, News & Features

LG Takes MWC 2017 by Storm with Their Latest G6 Smartphone

LG took to MWC 2017 here in Barcelona today to announce their latest flagship, the LG G6!

Events, News & Features

Will Getting Back to Basics Be BlackBerry’s KEY to Success?

TCL, one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers has descended upon this year’s Mobile World Congress to announce they will try a feat that has been attempted quite a few times with failing efforts: Resurrecting the BlackBerry.

Reviews

Moshi’s Fleet of IPhone 7 Cases Can Fit Any Style

Moshi sent over four of their iPhone 7 Plus cases that are very affordable. If you know anything about Moshi products, then you know that they are not only high quality but they will also make your smartphone look awesome.

Reviews

BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL: The Most Smudgeproof Protection Ever?

I’ve been using a BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL for about two weeks. While that’s hardly enough time to test the claimed 3-5x improvement in scratch resistances or the 25% improvement in drop performance (resistance), I can say one thing; the visibility on this AlumiTech Accessory Glass 2 by Corning screen protector is about the best I’ve used.

Reviews

Huawei Honor 6x Smartphone Review

Huawei’s focus has been making affordable smartphones with top-notch features for the past few years now, and a lot is the same with the Honor 6x, their latest smartphone that’s targeted at users who don’t want to spend a lot of money for premium features.

Reviews

The IClever BoostRun Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones Will Be Good for Your Health

iClever’s BoostRun BTH07 Sweat-proof Bluetooth Sport Headphones are a good budget option if you’ve got an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus without a headphone jack. The BoostRuns stay on your ears thanks to the built-in ear hook, and they are certified IPX4 waterproof to protect itself from rain and sweat. At ~$22, The iClever BoostRun are worth checking out.

Reviews

Pixie Finding Solution: Use Augmented Reality to Never Lose Anything Again

Are you one of those people who can’t ever seem to keep up with all of your “stuff”? Whether it’s your keys, your backpack, your wallet, or your remote control — the Pixie can help you keep locate almost anything when it has gone missing.

Reviews

Pioneer Rayz Are Lightning Smart

Pioneer describes their new Rayz earphones as “Lightning smart” and “The iPhone’s perfect accessory.” After using them since Judie brought me a pair from CES, I would agree with that and add they are “brilliant at noise cancellation” and “among the best deals around.” Priced at just $99.99 and $149.99, they are worth every penny.

Reviews

PITAKA Aramid Fiber iPhone 7 Case: Beautiful, Bulletproof Protection

It would be impossible for me to guess how many iPhone cases I’ve reviewed over the years, but I can count the number that have genuinely impressed me on one hand; the PITAKA Aramid Fiber iPhone 7 Case makes that list. It’s incredibly light and thin, and it provides minimalistic protection with no compromises.

News & Features

Verizon Will (re)Launch Unlimited Data Monday 2/13/17 – $80 for Individuals/$45 Family

Beginning Monday, February 13, 2017, you’ll once again be able to purchase unlimited data plans on Verizon Wireless starting at $80 for an individual or $45/ea for a family (min 4 lines).

Reviews

Focal Listen Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones Review: Wired but Worth It

With wireless being the way that so many headphones have been going, and with built-in 3.5mm jacks becoming rarer, it might seem, I don’t know, maybe a bit retro to review a pair of wired-only headphones. Even so, the Focal Listen Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones are worth a look.

Reviews

Picture Keeper Connect Is an Excellent, yet Pricey Mobile Media Backup Solution

Picture Keeper Connect is the thumb drive you never knew you needed. We’ve all been there, running out of room on your mobile phone, struggling to clean out old photos, videos, and apps. Picture Keeper Connect is a USB thumb drive with a built-in lightning adapter that allows you to easily backup your iOS media and starts at $119.99.

News & Features

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 SE Headphones: The Best Pair for the Money

I recently reviewed the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 headphones; now I’ve got their slightly more upscale brother, the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 SE, in hand. Everything I enjoyed about the BackBeat PRO 2 is present (do check out their review if you haven’t already), but with the PRO 2 SE headphones, there is even more to love.

Reviews

Just Mobile Xtand Vent: Park Your Phone in a Cool Spot

I’ve tried plenty of phone holders in my vehicles, but the one thing that always stops me from wanting to keep using them is that they can be bulky, ugly, or they require special attachments to use. The Just Mobile Xtand Vent is a sleek, minimalistic vent holder for your phone. It works well, and it looks good.

Reviews, Travel

Oneadaptr Twist+ World Adapter DUO: Ready for Travel

One of the things that I used do when packing to go overseas was to make sure that I had my collection of plug adapters and a bulky international power strip ready to go; these days I just make sure that I have the Oneadaptr Twist+ World Adapter DUO.

Reviews

Just Mobile AluCharge: A Beautiful and Minimalistic Multi-Port USB Charger

Finding a spot to plug my USB cables into is a never-ending game that gets played out every day; there are simply more cables than I have ports for, and every new generation laptop seems to come with fewer (if any at all). If you’re in the same boat, the Just Mobile AluCharge can help.