Mike Riley

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.

WWDC 2018: macOS Mojave Highlights & Release Dates

By Mike Riley

Apple announced macOS 10.14, the next major update to its Mac operating system, today during the WWDC 2018 Keynote. In doing so, the company has left the mountains behind and headed for the desert. Specifically, the desert at night. macOS Mojave's most visually striking new feature, called Dark Mode, is the ability to alter the user interface to adopt a night theme. Doing so envelopes the interface with a dark theme ideal for creative professionals and developers who prefer dark backgrounds to edit images and write code. It also appeals to users who want the reverse of the bright, light backgrounds and interface elements that the original OSX has been known for since its inception. Other exciting new updates include new ways to organize the Desktop, use FaceTime, and more.

Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds: Jabra Elite 45e Headset Review

By Mike Riley

Jabra, one of the early market leaders in the Bluetooth wireless headset space, has manifested its wealth of audio engineering and communication expertise in the Elite 45e Wireless Stereo Headset ($99.99). How does this high-end headset compare to the sea of other wireless stereo headsets on the market? Read on to find out.

Smart Bicycle Gear: Lumos Bike Helmet Review

By Mike Riley

I have been riding bicycles longer than I have been using computers. I have been riding the same recumbent for over 30 years. Yet it wasn't until the announcement of the Lumos Bicycle Helmet ($179.99) that I have been this interested in a bicycling accessory in a long time. This helmet combines bicycle safety with smart illumination to inform those around you of your direction and speed intentions. Read on to find out if this high-tech helmet was worth the wait.

Best iOS Games: The Pillars of the Earth Review

By Mike Riley

People with a lack of patience or itchy twitch fingers will likely declare The Pillars of the Earth Game Book one: From the Ashes ($4.99) to be a drab and painfully boring game. But for those seeking an engaging, stress-free gaming experience, Pillars is an enthralling graphic adventure that will soothe and inspire. If you are the latter, read on to find out if this gaming experience is worthy of the purchase price.

Home Automation: Elgato Eve Button Review

By Mike Riley

Of all the varieties of home automation I have explored, none have matched the elegant simplicity of Apple HomeKit-compatible devices. Elgato has taken this design principle to the extreme with its Eve Button ($49.95) smart home appliance. But does such a button warrant a fifty-dollar price tag? Read on to find out.

iMPC Pro 2 Will Turn Your iPad into a Music Crafting Tool

By Mike Riley

Just as the Mac became the predominant music-crafting tool in the 1980s, the iPad is quickly assuming this role in this decade. The tactile display coupled with powerful hardware make it an ideal surface to construct digital musical landscapes. While eager budding musicians can begin their explorations with Apple's Garage Band, experienced music architects will need a program that allows the full realization of sampling, sequencing, and looping possibilities. This is the space that iOS developer Retronyms hopes to fill with its embodiment of Akai Professional's MPC dedicated music hardware within a software equivalent called iMPC Pro 2 ($24.990. Is the app worth its relatively expensive (in comparison to other tap-centric music construction apps in the App Store) price? Read on to find out.

Review: External iPhone Microphones from AmpRidge

By Mike Riley

With the incredible video-processing technology embedded in Apple's latest iPhones, the optics and 4K video capture make them highly capable video cameras. Unfortunately, the most significant limitation of the iPhone's portability is the reliance on its embedded iPhone microphone to capture audio. AmpRidge has addressed this constraint head-on with two external microphones for iPhones. Let's take a closer look at what each iPhone mic has to offer iOS videographers.

Smart Home Systems: Arlo Pro 2 Home Security Package

By Mike Riley

Having reviewed the initial Arlo Pro smart home security system release several months ago, it is notable how soon the new and improved Arlo Pro 2 smart home system has been released. What does the Arlo Pro 2 ($479.99 for a 2 Camera Kit) offer beyond the original iteration and is it worth the additional cost to consider the Arlo Pro 2 wireless security system compared to the original Arlo Pro? Read on to find out.

Best iOS Racing Games: GRID Autosport for iPhone & iPad

By Mike Riley

Feral Interactive, the company responsible for the remarkable port of the Total War games to the iOS platform, has outdone itself with its latest PC to mobile conversion. GRID Autosport for iPhone and iPad ($9.99), originally developed for the PC and game consoles by Codemasters, is an amazing achievement in presenting the fidelity and complete package (including 10 free episodes of downloadable content) from the desktop and game console counterparts. Read on to find out why the release of this driving game is a defining moment for iOS gamers.

Bluetooth Headphones Review: Phiaton BT 150 NC

By Mike Riley

Even as the audio world accelerates its migration toward an entirely wire-free mobile listening experience, Bluetooth earphones anchored to battery and control-hosted bases will still have their place for some time to come. Phiaton is one such company that has done just that with its BT 150 NC Earphones ($149). Does this new headset offer a huge leap or just a minor incremental improvement over the company's initial BT 100 NC released a few years ago? Read on to find out.