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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Mike Riley
iPhone 8 Plus owners have just spent close to a thousand dollars for their new phone and most likely would prefer to keep their investment in a protective iPhone case that will prevent the phone from being damaged in extreme environments. Whether you work in a construction zone, prefer to use your phone in extreme outdoor sporting events, or simply want to protect your expensive technology investment regardless of the cost, the SnowLizard SLXtreme iPhone 8 Plus Case ($149.99) may be the result to your search for such a durable case. Read on to find out how well its features perform in real-world settings.
Jaybird continues to lead the efforts to remain cutting edge relevant in the crowded wireless Bluetooth headset market. Its latest innovation, the Jaybird RUN True Wireless Sport Headphones ($179.99), is the company's first effort into the wireless headphone arena that Apple initiated with its AirPods. Does the Jaybird RUN sprint past the competition? Read on to find out.
By Mike Riley
Augmented Reality (AR) is supposedly "the next big thing" in videogames, and Apple has embraced that possibility by outfitting iOS game developers with ARKit to help standardize and accelerate AR on iOS. During the recent iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and iPhone X launch event, Apple had a developer from Directive Games take to the stage and demonstrate the company's ARKit-powered new game, The Machines. After upgrading to iOS 11, the first AR-enabled game I played was The Machines ($4.99). Does it live up to the hype? Read on to find out.
