Smartphones & Gear

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.


Kyocera Hydro Vibe: The Waterproof Android Smartphone for Busy Moms

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Sprint is launching the Kyocera Hydro Vibe. Perfect for busy moms, this Android 4.3 Jelly Bean smartphone is waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes, and it also has an impact resistant 4.5-inch qHD touchscreen. No more worries about sticky fingers, spilled milk or bath time destroying your smartphone!


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.


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!


Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 8.0 Size Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a bit larger than its predecessor. That brings it even closer to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. And while one had curved edges and the other a sharper, boxier look and feel, deciding which to get is now more difficult than ever. If you are on the fence, perhaps this video look can help.


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.