Smartphones & Gear

10 Reasons This iPhone-User Is Happy with the Samsung Galaxy S5

I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S5 for over a week and a half. and don’t see myself putting it down anytime soon. That’s surprising, since the only time I’ve seriously used Android phones has been to review them; I’m not using this to review it, rather I’m using it because I like it. Here are ten reasons why:  


LuneCase Offers Battery Free iPhone Notifications

Here’s another cool Kickstarter project, and one of the most useful that I’ve seen recently. The LuneCase utilizes the “leaked” electromagnetic energy from your iPhone to show notifications about incoming calls and text messages on the back of your phone before they ever show up on the screen of your smartphone. No battery power or Bluetooth connection is required.


Sprint’s HTC One (M8) Harman Kardon Edition Just One of Many Announcements

This morning Sprint announced their exclusive new HTC One  (M8) Harman Kardon edition. Also announced were Sprint Sound Sessions, a premium package of music and privileges and six months free of Spotify Premium for all new and existing postpaid Sprint customers. Sprint also said that they will will make it easier to join a Framily.  No, that’s not a typo.


STM Grip 2 for the HTC One M8: Minimal Perfection!

I’ve made no secret of how much I love my new HTC One M8, except how very, very slippery it can be. Since I don’t love big bulky cases, I’ve been hunting for slim but grippy solutions. STM asked us to take a look at their STM Grip 2 for the One, and it might just be the perfect minimalist solution!



9 Reasons the Samsung Gear 2 is Google Glass Minus the Glasshole

Judie and I bought Google Glass a few months ago. We enjoyed taking pictures and shooting video with them, but post-CES 2014 we sold ours. The reason? Glass is fun and innovative, but it’s not ready for prime time. My Samsung Galaxy S5 and Gear 2 are. Yes, Gear is Google Glass without the glasshole. Here are nine reasons why.


Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Available May 1; Preorders Start Today

The popular Samsung Galaxy Tab line is getting an update with the new Galaxy Tab 4. There will be three different sizes available, with  7-, 8-, and 10.1-inch WiFi-only models in black or white that will be available for preorder on the 24th, and will officially go on sale May 1. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon will be offering the 4G LTE versions this summer.


DRACOdesign SUPERNOVA Aluminum Bumper for Samsung Galaxy S5

One criticism (warranted) of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is that, by sticking with the plastic body for this generation of their latest phone, Samsung has made a high-end phone that doesn’t feel so high-end. DRACOdesign has a solution to the “cheap plastic feel” of the phone with its $79.99 DRACOdesign SUPERNOVA Aluminum Bumper for Samsung Galaxy S5. Here’s a look.


Ventev Glide for Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

The other day we took a look at the Ventev glide for the iPhone 5S. A pouch-style leather case, it features the benefit of pushing your phone up and out of the pouch when you need to pull it out and use it. The company also offers the Ventev glide for Samsung Galaxy S5; here’s our video review.


Slickwraps Carbon Fiber Wrap for the HTC One M8 Review

I have never been enamored of skins for my smartphones. Over the years I’ve tried several, but I always found them to be too tacky, or they peeled immediately, or I couldn’t get the bubbles out. But when Slickwraps offered the chance to review their new HTC One M8 skins, I figured it was time to give skins another shot!


HTC One M8 Review: The Best Smartphone I’ve Ever Used!

The HTC One M8 is the best smartphone I’ve ever used. That may seem like hyperbole, but I’ve counted, and I have personally owned 10 smartphones in the last 8 years, so the One had some serious competition for the title. How did it rise above the rest? Read on to find out!


Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases Brings Sweet Protection

Did you pick up a Samsung Galaxy S5 this weekend? If you answered “Yes” you’ll want to make sure to keep Samsung’s latest super-phone safe. Speck’s got you covered with three different styles of Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 cases. We’ve got a bunch in hand. Here’s a quick overview. Speck CandyShell for Samsung Galaxy S5 Speck brings their classic CandyShell design to the S5 in five different colors. The cases offer “the best of both worlds”: Samsung Galaxy S5 cases that looks as good as they protect. Combining great colors, military-grade drop protection and a dual-layer design that…


Element Case Recon for Samsung Galaxy S5 Line Is on the Way

My Samsung Galaxy S5 is in route to me, and I’m a bit excited. I’m excited that Element Case is rolling out an entire line of cases for the Galaxy S5, AND they will work with existing mounts. Called the Recon, the cases are currently available for preorder; we’ve got a sneak peek at what is on the way.


Nokia Lumia 1020 Contract Free – $499 At Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is showing this contract-free AT&T Nokia Lumia 1020 for $499. Compare to AT&T with a $609 no-contract cost. The phone is lauded by most for its 41 megapixel camera and 4.5″ PureMotion display. Windows Phone is  a mobile operating system in progress, but this is a great deal if your main concern is beautiful photos. 


Verizon Matches AT&T Price Changes

In yet another salvo of “Bring Your Own Device” price-matching Verizon customers who are on an Edge plan will now pay similar monthly amounts as if they were on a comparable AT&T plan (aka Next).  Remember  this only applies to Edge plan customers, which means you aren’t subject to a contract because you’ve paid full price for your phone .


Harman Kardon Onyx Studio – Power, Quality, & Good Looks

We recently took a first look at the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth speaker system with rechargeable battery. The power, the audio quality, and its sharp looks immediately impressed me. I’ve been using the speaker almost full-time at home since receiving it, and I wanted to do a more complete review. Short version: I love it!


Noreve Debuts New Leather Cases for the HTC One M8

I have been gushing about the quality look and feel of my new HTC One M8 for the last several days. It feels exactly like you’d expect a flagship phone to feel, with solid construction and beautiful cool metal exterior. A phone this nice needs quality protection, and our friends at Noreve have gorgeous leather offerings for the new One.


The Bluelounge Kii Unlocks the Key to My Gear

Last week my keyring got a new addition — the Bluelounge Kii Micro-USB. The Kii is a small sync/charge adapter looks like a simple key but opens to reveal a short but very practical USB-to-MicroUSB cable. At $24.95 (the Lightning Connector version is even more) it is a pricey accessory, but the convenience can’t be beat.


Samsung Galaxy Note 3 First Impressions by a Linux Geek

Michael reviewed the Verizon edition of the Galaxy Note 3, and he liked it.  I bought one over the weekend instead of the HTC One (M8) that Carly bought, because of reviews like Michael’s and my experiences with using the Galaxy Note 2 for a month.  I feel that this STILL is one of the best phones on Verizon.


First Impressions of the HTC One M8

Over the weekend I marched into my local Verizon store and snapped up the new HTC One M8. It’s been a few years since I used Android, but the look and feel of the One were calling my name. We’ll have a full review soon, but since this phone is so new, I wanted to share a few first impressions!


SNAP! Offers Universal Mounting of Your Mobile Devices

If you are one of those people who simply must see and have your phone with you at all times — you know who you are — then SNAP! may be the perfect mounting system for you. A universal female part clips into a universal male part, so the system will work with just about every mobile device!