Technology 2014 Summary / 2015 Predications
The future’s so bright in technology gear and various media as 2014 ends and we look on the horizon to 2015.
NFC
Nintendo Amiibo Character Update
Nintendo’s recently released Amiibo interactive figures used in popular Wii U games like Super Smash Bros. are already causing a collectible frenzy with short supply of certain figures after an initial November 21 release. These now rare figures include Marth, Villager, the Wii Fit Trainer, and my personal favorite Little Mac from Punch-Out.
Hyrule Warriors Review on Nintendo Wii U
Zelda game series fans get a comprehensive and immersive experience as Nintendo and Koei Temco combine the famous franchise with the hack-and-slash Samurai (Japanese) and Dynasty (Chinese) Warriors series gameplay. Hyrule Warriors action-filled title delivers free roaming fun and various mission objectives amid epic battlegrounds, with expanded actions like climbing and swimming so players can fully experience the boosted graphics.
Get Your Samsung Galaxy Note Edge on November 14th!
One of the coolest new devices I saw while at IFA was undoubtedly the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. It had a beveled edge on the right side of the main screen which displayed received messages, email, calendar, and other notifications. The Note Edge takes the best qualities of the new Galaxy Note 4, but adds an extra wow feature! The beveled screen will display scrollable messages, “extending the screen with room to do and see more. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge screen gives access to email, Internet, apps, notifications, news and more without interrupting the content on the main screen.” Users will be able to…
NFC, Apple Pay, CurrentC, and Smartphone Competition
Apple Pay rolled out last week, and it’s already hitting some roadblocks as some retailers are blocking or not supporting it. This isn’t because they hate iPhones, it’s because they have a competing product — CurrentC — waiting. A few years ago, companies wouldn’t have dreamed of blocking a new Apple product, but competition has made it easier to say no.
Pre-Orders for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Start Tomorrow
I had a chance to fondle the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while at IFA a few weeks ago, and as far as Android devices go — it’s impressive! If you have been waiting to upgrade, then tomorrow is your day. Get ready to pre-order the most advanced and feature-rich Galaxy Note yet!
Apple’s September iPhone 6 Event – Our Predictions, and ‘Live’ Updates
Michael Anderson asked a question on our back channel this morning about what we hoped to see with today’s Apple announcement at 10am PT. It’s fast approaching, and we all plan on watching together here. In the meantime, we thought it would be fun to post our predictions and see how many of them come true.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge Was the Coolest Thing I Saw Today
It’s not often that I attend a tech event and leave knowing that I’ve seen something that’s going to change the way I expect to use a device that I already own, but that’s what happened after the Samsung event today. The introduction of the Galaxy Note Edge was by far the highlight of my day, and I’m still wowed.
A Waterproof Smartphone Is No Gimmick
When I got my Sony Xperia Z2 smartphone I didn’t think much about the fact that it is a waterproof phone that can be submerged without the need for a special sealed case. But after Carly’s son dumped, and ruined, her wife Sarah’s iPhone 5C into the water twice I realized a waterproof smartphone is no small thing.
Madden NFL 15 Review (Standard Edition) on PlayStation 4
Publisher Electronic Arts Inc. and developer EA Tiburon continue the grand tradition of this obsession called football (U.S. version) with another successful and comprehensive remediation of the NFL experience in Madden NFL 15. This 26th installment of the venerable sports simulation series succeeds especially with comprehensive game mode enhancements, noticeable defensive improvements, and improved graphics using the Ignite engine.
Rock Your Ride With the Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker
The sub $100 Bluetooth speaker market has grown in a seemingly exponential way in the past few years, arriving at the point where a speaker needs to have something special if it is going to distinguish itself. The Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker actually has that “something special”, and it makes this $69.99 speaker worth a second look.
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Will be Music to Your Ears
I reviewed the Harman Kardon Esquire Bluetooth speaker a few weeks ago and was completely blown away by its build quality, feature set and, of course sound. It is a Bluetooth speaker that looks and feels more like jewelry than anything else. Now the company has announced a new speaker – the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth wireless speaker.
Altec Lansing Life Jacket is a Top Tier Rugged Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet rugged Bluetooth speaker, the Altec Lansing Life Jacket should be at the top of your list. The Life Jacket is waterproof, shock-resistant, and it is built to withstand dirt and dust. This portable speaker can pump out the jams at a tailgate or on a rafting trip. The Life Jacket’s MSRP is $149.99.
TYLT TAGZ Let You Get the Most From NFC
One of the biggest surprises when I started using the Sony Xperia Z2 as my full-time device was just how much use I got from finally having a device with NFC Near Field Communication built-in. The TYLT TAGZ Programmable NFC Stickers take the NFC prowess of the phone to an entirely new level.
Bayan Audio SoundBook X3 Review – Great Sound and Fab Design
We have reviewed quite a few portable speakers that offer excellent audio and multiple ways to stream or connect, but with few exceptions it seems like most could be described as more utilitarian and less refined. The $299.99 Bayan Audio soundbook X3 is one portable speaker that not only sounds fantastic, it also looks terrific. Bayan Audio, a UK company founded in 2011, focusses on creating “outstanding products to help you enjoy sound wherever you are”, and with whatever device your music happens to be stored on, whether it be “Audio Systems, Smartphones, Tablets or Notebooks.” They focus on making quality products that use wood, aluminum, and…
Bluetooth SSSSSpeaker is a Quirky Collapsible Crowd Pleaser
The quirky, collapsible Bluetooth speaker known as the SSSSSpeaker has been designed by aiia, a Ukrainian design firm and is looking for funding on Kickstarter right at this very moment. It is designed to fit in your pocket and is easy to take along everywhere you go. Check out the Kickstarter campaign to pledge your support today!
TYLT ENERGI+ BACKPACK May Be Perfect for Back-to-School
TYLT offers some of the more interesting smartphone and tablet accessories on the market today. The TYLT ENERGI+ BACKPACK With Built-in Battery applies that same design talent to something that just may be the perfect backpack for anyone heading off to college next month. At just under $200 it may look pricey but it is actually a great deal.
Life With the Dell Venue 11 Pro Part 1 #Intel2in1
The other day I reviewed the HP Pavilion X360 laptop. In many ways it is a 2014 netbook with a cool design and touchscreen. This is the first in a series of posts on the Dell Venue 11 Pro tablet/keyboard I was sent as part of the Intel 2in1 Program. I could not be more surprised that … I love this computer.
iBolt SPro2 Connect and MiniPro Connect Car Mount Review
For years I used a GPS in my car, but that’s been replaced by my smartphone. I miss having the GPS mounted to my dashboard, so I was very excited to check out the iBolt line of car mounts and their complementary “Dock ‘n Drive” apps. Does this turn the phone into the ultimate safe car accessory?
Bayan Audio Soundbook GO Is Small, but It Packs Impressive Features
We mentioned last month that Bayan Audio, a UK audio company, was entering the US market. Among their initial US offerings were the $199 Soundbook and the powerful $299 Soundbook X3. Last night they revealed their newsiest product- the Bayan Audio Soundbook GO. The $134.99 Bluetooth speaker has great style and promises equally impressive audio. Here’s a closer look.
Amazon Jumps Into the Smartphone Business with the Amazon Fire Phone
As expected, Amazon announced its very first phone this afternoon. Much about the Fire Phone had been leaked, but there were a few interesting surprises along the way. Many of us have Amazon Prime, so we were excited to see what Bezos would present, and how they would differentiate the Amazon Fire Phone. Here’s what we now know…