Mike Riley

Author Details

Mike Riley's picture

Author Details

Mike Riley

Mike Riley is a frequent contributor to several technical publications and specializes in emerging technologies and new development trends. Mike was previously employed by RR Donnelley as the company’s Chief Scientist, responsible for determining innovative technical approaches to improve the company’s internal and external content services. Mike also co-hosted Computer Connection, a technology enthusiast show broadcast on Tribune Media's CLTV.

Most professional videographers agree that high-quality audio capture is just as important, if not more so than, high-quality video capture. Watching a low resolution YouTube video with superb audio reproduction is far more tolerable than watching a high resolution video with poor audio quality. That is why I find it so surprising that Apple has focused so much of its iPhone feature attention on camera and video capture quality while still utilizing a run of the mill embedded mono microphone for audio. The founders of Hooke Audio saw this subpar configuration in not just the iPhone but other smartphones and video capture devices like GoPro's, and built a product to address this discrepancy. Read on to find out if the Hooke Verse wireless binaural 3D audio microphone system ($159.99) succeeds at eliminating this mobile audio capture fidelity problem.

In the overcrowded world of external battery chargers, designers have to make their product stand out from the competition with innovative approaches or dramatic increases in battery charge capacity. It appears that Kenu baked those two important aspects into its latest all-in-one powerbank, the BingeBank ($59.95). Read on to see how it compares to the multitutde of other portable battery chargers on the market.

After more than a decade of operating the iPhone and iPad under a single OS, Apple has made the bold move of finally recognizing the reality that is both the current state of iPad app development as well as granting the freedom necessary to realize the vision of the iPad Pro as a fully functional laptop replacement. The recognition of a separate OS also brings the iPad in line with Apple's acknowledgement of its other dedicated platform operating systems such as watchOS for Apple Watch hardware and tvOS for Apple TV. However, Apple could have gone further by doing away with the iOS label entirely by renaming iOS as iPhoneOS. Perhaps that will happen next year. In the meantime, Apple's next release of iOS for the iPad will incorporate all the new features in iOS 13 plus iPad-specific features exclusive to that hardware platform. Let's take a quick look at what Apple announced today that will be part of the new iPadOS experience.

Whether sitting at my desktop writing articles or playing the latest keyboard-intensive 4X game, I exclusively use Corsair keyboards due to their high quality construction and excellent key travel and action. Using anything else is a big step down. This is especially noticeable when using the latest Mac laptop keyboards or wireless keyboards for iOS.  So when Corsair announced its first wireless keyboard designed to connect via either Bluetooth or an included 2.4 Hz USB dongle, I was very interested in seeing how well the company translated its desktop expertise into a more mobile-oriented product.

Logitech has been a major player in the PC speaker scene for years, and the company recently has begun to branch out to support other devices besides its core market. One of these major growth opportunities is with iPad customers who are seeking a high quality wireless audio solution included with their usual PC audio needs. Logitech's Z606 5.1 Surround Sound with Bluetooth ($129.99) was created for this customer in mind. Read on to find out how well this flexible PC and mobile device audio solution delivers on its promise.

I am a big advocate of digital conversions of popular board games. While such digital interpretations can't match the camaraderie and engaged player interactions of the original analog source, I find the benefits of digital board game conversions far outpace these obvious shortcomings. I can carry the digital equivalent of a physical shelf full of analog board games in my iPad and never worry about misplacing any game pieces. I also don't have to scour over rules whenever a questionable action comes into play, since the digital app almost always alerts me of any invalid moves or valid options. Most importantly, the AI opponents in the digital interpretations means there is always someone to play the game with.

As part of Apple's major content subscription announcements today, one category that raised more questions than answers is the company's announcement of Apple Arcade.  Unlike the Stadia game streaming service announced by Google earlier this month, Apple Arcade consists of original game content that can be downloaded and played offline when designed accordingly by the game creators. Like Stadia, gamers can pick up immediately where they left off on whatever device has the game installed.

Earlier today, Apple made a game changing announcement for the credit card industry. While it has been speculated about for years, Apple finally unveiled its intent to become a credit card company with the introduction of Apple Card. In addition to removing most of the sources of traditional credit card service revenue such as late fees, annual fees, and over limit fees to name a few, Apple also promised not to track payments or sell card activities to third parties. Although there will be a physical card available, this is clearly a card that is meant to be iPhone first. Users will apply for and be approved for the card via their iPhone, use it with Apple Pay, and even contact customer service via Messages. Apple is partnering with Goldman Sachs as the bank of record.

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