Smartphones & Gear

Sony SmartBand SWR10 First Look Video

The Sony SmartBand SWR10 is Sony’s current fitness band offering. Specifically designed to work with phones like my Xperia Z2, it also works with a number of other Android devices. Available in a variety of colors, the Smartband works in tandem with the Lifelog App to record your activity and much more. I got mine yesterday, and I’m already impressed.



Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 – Wooden Elegance

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a powerful smartphone that has Samsung at the top of their game. A device this powerful and feature-packed deserves better than the cheap plastic case Samsung continues to insist upon using. The Toast Wood Covers for Samsung Galaxy S5 helps correct this shortcoming. It looks great and protects in the process.


Smartwatch Shootout, A Quick Design Overview

2014 has definitely turned into the year of the “wearable” and the smartwatch has been leading the pack. Android Wear is on the way and Apple has yet to announce, let along release their offering. That means there’s much more to come this year. There are already some compelling options on the market and they have a range of prices.


Meet the “New” Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, KitKat Edition

At this point the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is a bit “old”. Launched in April 2013, by Android standards it is an antique. And while we’ve seen many new Galaxy devices in the last 14 months, there’s been no new Note 8.0. The arrival of Android 4.4.2 KitKat on my WiFi version today made it a model worthy of 2014.


Oberon Design Samsung Galaxy S5 Leather Case Review: Affordable Luxury

Judie has reviewed a number of different offerings from Oberon Design and been impressed by them all. The gorgeous designs, quality leather, and impressive craftsmanship come together to create some beautiful cases and bags. This time out we are looking at the Oberon Design Samsung Galaxy S5 Leather Case. It is gorgeous, and at under $40, it is surprisingly affordable.


Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Review

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition showcases several easy-to-use practical functions. It has a large display, considerable battery life, unique S Pen features, fast quad-core processor, and dual cameras. This tablet has 3GB of RAM and includes memory up to 32GB. Models include SM-p600 Wi-Fi; SM-P601 3G; SM-P605 3G+LTE and SM-P600 (no support for GSM voice communication, SMS, and MMS).


The Calypso Crystal Calypso Tag Review: Travel in Sync

You have a luggage tag on your carry-on or your checked luggage, right? But can your luggage tag attract attention because it’s so brightly colored, tell you when your bag is nearby, alert you when it has been moved away, tell you where it last was, or tell you the temperature? Because of the Calypso Crystal Calypso Tag, mine can.


Cheero is Bringing its DANBOARD Mobile Chargers to the US Market

cheero, USA has just announced its new Power Plus version of the DANBOARD mobile charging device, packing 10,400 mAh of battery power into a small, and mighty cute package. Also available is the DANBOARD Mini, which is no slouch, packing 6,000 mAh of batter power. Cheero’s DANBOARD mobile battery packs are now available on Amazon.


Evernote Tops 100 Million Users! #Evernote

Evernote just topped 100 million users; that’s pretty impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that those 100 million users can be found in any of 190 different countries. Taken together, the two numbers speak to the fact that the popular and powerful service meets a truly international need; this milestone reminded me that many of us were early subscribers.


INSTEON Connected Home System Gets Some Microsoft Love

I’m currently working on a review of the INSTEON Connected Home Control and Monitoring system. Simply put, I’m impressed and I think you will be too. This morning comes news that the company will be releasing Windows and Windows Phone Apps for the system. Moreover, INSTEON products will soon available in Microsoft Stores and at MicrosoftStore.com.


iFrogz Tadpole is a Tiny Speaker for On-the-Go

The iFrogz Tadpole Bluetooth mini speaker does not put out big, bold, quality sound. It doesn’t get great battery life, it’s not waterproof, and it doesn’t double as a speakerphone. It doesn’t have Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC. So the tadpole isn’t worth your time or money, right? Actually no, in the right situation it’s a rather compelling device. Here’s why.




Dual SIM VeryKool s470 Black Pearl Android Phone – Great for Travel

Do you occasionally travel overseas? Is your mobile phone US carrier locked? Do you want to save money while you travel by using a local SIM, but you also need to stay connected with your local number? What if you just want to buy an unlocked smartphone for under $250? These are all good reasons to get the verykool s470.


PowerStick PowerTrip Is the Swiss Army Knife of External Batteries

If you are in the market for an external battery that offers decent capacity, doesn’t require an extra cable for charging, includes flash storage for your “must always have” files, and can be personalized — look no further than the PowerStick PowerTrip. This $99 external battery even charges via the sun. It truly is the Swiss Army Knife of External Batteries.


Oberon Design Leather iPhone 5S Case: An Artisanal Leather Masterpiece

Oberon Design is similar to other high-end mobile device case makers, because they offer beautifully designed items made with hand-crafted leather. However, Oberon Design sets themselves apart from all other companies, because they offer hand-crafted artisanal leather masterpieces that just so happen to also hold and protect your mobile devices; their new leather iPhone 5 case is a perfect example.


Firefox OS Smartphone, ZTE Open C, Is Now Available on eBay

If you have been holding out for an inexpensive smartphone running the latest version of Firefox OS, then today is your lucky day. You’ll find the ZTE Open C on eBay, and you’ll likely be pleased to hear that the price is a jaw-droppingly reasonable $99. With its 4″ screen and dual-core Qualcomm processor, this phone is affordable for everyone.



Mobile Edge’s UrgentPower DX 5200 Review: Immediate Power for All!

Perhaps one day, mobile phones will be invented that have batteries that recharge themselves as the person carrying them walks around. Until then, we’ll have to continue relying upon charging cords, AC/DC adapters, and extended batteries. If you’re still shopping for a mini power plant, Mobile Edge‘s UrgentPower DX 5200 is small enough to carry around for unforeseen charging emergencies.


My Sony Xperia Z2 Is Big, Purple, and Gorgeous

Of all the phones that I saw at MWC, the Sony Xperia Z2 was the one I returned determined to buy. With its 5.2″ Display, 20.7 megapixel rear-facing camera, 4K camcorder, generous battery, and its IP55/IP58 waterproof and dust-proof rating, the Z2’s specs were pretty impressive. I’ve purchased a Z2, and I’ve made it my daily-driver. Here are some highlights.