Smartphones & Gear

Scosche Announces magicMOUNT System for Car Home And Office

Events, News & Features January 8, 2014

Scosche Announces magicMOUNT System for Car Home And Office

Almost everyone carries around a smart device of one kind or another. It is great that these devices have become such wonderful tools in our lives, but how often do you need a place to set them? Scosche has announced a system of magnetic magicMOUNT device mounts for the car, home or office. Full press release after the break. LAS VEGAS – January 07, 2014 –Scosche is excited to unveil the magicMOUNT system of cradle free magnetic mounts for car, home or office.  User’s simply apply the magicPLATE directly to their device and hover it over one of Scosche’s new magicMOUNTs to…

PlayStation Now Service Coming Summer 2014

Events, Game Diary, News & Features January 8, 2014

PlayStation Now Service Coming Summer 2014

Sony has recently announced their PlayStation Now service will debut this summer at this year’s Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2014 conference. a beta program will begin in the US at the end of January 2014. This new “cloud-based gaming” service will first include the PlayStation 4 and 3 consoles then the PlayStation Vita handheld console and also televisions, tablet computers, and smartphones. Andy House, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, made the announcement yesterday (Tuesday).

Soundfreaq announces the Sound Rise and Double Spot Just in Time for CES 2014

Events January 3, 2014

Soundfreaq announces the Sound Rise and Double Spot Just in Time for CES 2014

In 2013 we reviewed the Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning and the Soundfreaq Sound Spot. Both impressed with their sound, value, and design. Now Soundfreaq has announced two new products — the Sound Rise and the Double Spot. The Sound Rise is the company’s take on the alarm clock; the Double Spot is two Sound Spots in one.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra review: Big Phone or Tiny Tablet?

Reviews December 18, 2013

Sony Xperia Z Ultra review: Big Phone or Tiny Tablet?

Sony is really pushing the boundaries with the Xperia Z Ultra. Combining the latest hardware and a 6.44-inch 1080p display into a svelte package, it sets itself apart from the competition. But can it walk the line between phone and tablet? After spending a few weeks with it, I’ve found the answer.

Where Angels Cry HD for iPad

Game Diary, News & Features December 14, 2013

Where Angels Cry from G5 Games is Now in Windows Store

I reviewed Where Angels Cry earlier this year for the iPad, as well as for the Mac and Kindle Fire. The game deftly integrated story, mystery and hidden objects all in one fun package that has you exploring a remote monastery to solve a murder. Now it is coming to Windows Phone and tablets on the Windows Store!

Virtual City Playground from G5 Games is Now on Windows Store

Gear Bits December 12, 2013

Virtual City Playground from G5 Games is Now on Windows Store

I have reviewed Virtual City Playground multiple times on different platforms and tracked major updates since the game was released. The game takes all of the best elements of Virtual City 1 & 2 and adds great new features and constant free updates. So what remains? A release for Windows Phone and tablets on the Windows Store! Virtual City Playground is a sim social that lets your imagination run wild so that you can look down at your wonderful metropolis and marvel at the wonders you’ve created. Please your inhabitants by providing them with tons of business opportunities and true-to-life…

Keep Your Devices Charged and Ready to Go with Bluelounge's Sanctuary4

Reviews December 12, 2013

Keep Your Devices Charged and Ready to Go with Bluelounge’s Sanctuary4

It is a “first world problem” but a problem nonetheless. As mobile gear multiplies, the need to charge them in a convenient manner becomes increasingly important. Bluelounge’s Sanctuary4 promises to keep up to four devices charge while conveniently keeping things organized and accessible. At $99.95 it might appear a bit pricey, but the convenience and functionality are sure to impress.

Drew Goes Hands-On with the Vertu Constellation

Editorials December 11, 2013

Drew Goes Hands-On with the Vertu Constellation

You’ve got to hand it to my friend and fellow gadget magpie, Drew Guttadore! He knows how curious I’ve been about the new ~$6,000 Android-based Vertu Constellation; because he’s also been curious about it, he recently went hands-on with one so that he could share his initial impressions … on everything but the actual Android/Vertu experience. Curious? Read on!

The Eternal Optimism of Bing Weather

Gear Bits December 10, 2013

The Eternal Optimism of Bing Weather

I have a few weather apps on my Lumia 928, but I’ve been keeping the Bing Weather app pinned to my launch screen because it looks the nicest. However, lately it has been all looks and no brain … either that, or it thinks if it doesn’t tell me how bad the weather is, I won’t notice the snow outside!

Galaxy Note 3 by Samsung Mobile Phone Review - Bigger is Better

Reviews November 30, 2013

Galaxy Note 3 by Samsung Mobile Phone Review – Bigger is Better

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 delivers high performance and striking screen quality in a portable yet sizable display plus it works with the Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch. This part phone/part tablet, or phablet, has a considerably long battery life, slim design, unique S Pen design and functions, clear call quality, fast quad-core processor, and sharp picture quality.

See Spot Run, See Spot Jump, See the Soundfreaq Sound Spot Rock Out

Reviews November 24, 2013

See Spot Run, See Spot Jump, See the Soundfreaq Sound Spot Rock Out

It’s good to know the days of all portable Bluetooth speakers being little, black boxes is coming to an end. Leading the way is the Soundfreaq Sound Spot. This small, $69 speaker packs big sound, good battery life and it looks great in any one of its many colors. Mix and match Sound Spots for a great looking sound.

Android 4.4 for Verizon Moto X Is Now Official

Gear Bits, News & Features November 19, 2013

Android 4.4 for Verizon Moto X Is Now Official

I am amazed that the Moto X on Verizon is the first non-Nexus devices to get Android 4.4, as confirmed by The Verge and Droid Life. The update should be appearing on your Moto X as of today. This update does not include the Google Experience Launcher, which is exclusive to the Nexus 5.

FLOTE Your Tablet for Better Viewing and More Functionality

Gear Bits November 19, 2013

FLOTE Your Tablet for Better Viewing and More Functionality

If you have been searching for a better way to keep your tablet or eReader positioned in the optimal location for comfort and ease-of-use the FLOTE may be just the thing. The $299 FLOTE, which comes in a desktop or freestanding model, may be pricey but it is a solidly built, great-looking way to hold your tablet exactly where you want.

The JawboneUP24 means No More Remembering to Sync

Gear Bits November 19, 2013

The JawboneUP24 means No More Remembering to Sync

I love the way my JawBone UP tracks my steps and my sleep, reminds me to get moving and functions as my alarm clock. I HATED needing to plug it into my iPhone to sync data and, thankfully, my new Jawbone UP24 fixes that. The UP24 syncs wirelessly and offers real-time updates and notifications. All that for just $20 more!

HTC One Max Android Phablet Unboxed and Examined

Reviews November 18, 2013

HTC One Max Android Phablet Unboxed and Examined

I like my HTC One; it has turned out to be the best Android phone I’ve ever owned or used, but I do wish that it had a larger screen and a better camera. When I heard there was an HTC One Max coming out, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. Larger screen? Better Camera? Yes and no, but …

Charge It All On the Go with the Anker 5V / 5A 5-Port Wall Charger

Reviews November 17, 2013

Charge It All On the Go with the Anker 5V / 5A 5-Port Wall Charger

The Anker 5-Port Wall Charger will be coming in quite handy during my upcoming travels. Instead of needing to carry multiple wall adapters this small rectangle of electronics will let me take just one adapter but still charge up to five different devices at a time. Best of all the $45.99 accessory is currently just $19.99 in our Amazon Store.

New Trent PowerPak Xtreme External Battery Pack Review

Reviews November 14, 2013

New Trent PowerPak Xtreme External Battery Pack Review

It’s hard to beat the 20,000mAh external battery Judie just reviewed, so I’m not even going to try. Still, while the $59.99 Trent PowerPak Xtreme External Battery Pack offers “just” 12,000 mAh of battery power (“JUST”!! lol), it comes in a rugged shell that built to withstand pretty much anything you can throw at it. And it is under $60.