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.

Rugged Case Review: SLXtreme for iPhone 8 Plus

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.

Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones: The Jaybird RUN True Wireless Sport

By Mike Riley

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.

AR Games for iOS 11 Review: The Machines

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.

The Witness for iPhone & iPad Review

By Mike Riley

iOS ports of successful indie-developed PC games seems to be the normal progression of digital entertainment these days, with developer Thekla having done just that with its open-world puzzle game, The Witness ($9.99). Critically acclaimed on the PC, does The Witness deserve that same level of acclaim on the iOS platform? Read on to find out.

Workout Headphones Review: Bose SoundSport Plus Headset

By Mike Riley

Anyone familiar with high-end audio will immediately recognize the name Bose. Long known for uncompromising sound reproduction, Bose has benefited from its years of significant expertise by creating a headset for the active lifestyle enthusiast who wants to immerse themselves into an impeccable sonic experience while engaged in fitness and leisure-related activities. Is the SoundSport Plus headset ($199.95) worthy of the Bose brand? Read on to find out.

Bluetooth Wireless Headphones Review: Jaybird Freedom 2

By Mike Riley

Of all the headsets and earbuds I have reviewed over the years, one of the few companies that consistently seems to make a concerted effort to push the mobile audio envelope further with each successive release is Jaybird. Beginning with its X1 headset, revolutionary at the time for its significant bulk reduction of a stereo wireless headset through their release of incredibly lightweight Freedom headset, Jaybird continues its refinement of the lightweight headset experience with its second iteration of Freedom. Is the Freedom 2 ($149.99) a worthy investment, especially for existing first generation Freedom owners considering an upgrade? Read on to find out.

Review: Just Mobile Encore iPad Stand

By Mike Riley

Just Mobile has firmly planted its flag in the premium Apple accessory camp with its catalog of high-quality iPhone and iPad cases, stands, chargers, and the like. A recent addition to this product family is a new lightweight iPad stand called Encore ($49.95). Read on to find out how it compares to the array of other iPad stands on the market.

Bluetooth Speaker: Logitech MX Sound Review

By Mike Riley

Wireless audio continues to reshape the sound product landscape in the home entertainment market. Logitech, a company well known for its computer and mobile device-centric product lines, has recently released a new MX Sound wireless stereo speaker array for desktop, TV, and mobile products. How well does the MX Sound perform and interact with these numerous audio inputs? Read on to find out.

Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds: Yevo 1 Review

By Mike Riley

There are notable inflection points in technology when a groundswell of a new approach bursts through and rapidly diffuses through the population of digital early adopter enthusiasts. With the advent of Apple's AirPods, truly wireless headphones are the latest innovation manifesting this new approach to wire-free audio consumption. Indeed, I predict that 2018 will be the year that a majority of audio headset manufacturers will offer AirPods alternatives ranging from low to high cost and quality. One of the new companies that is attempting to make a name for itself with this new market opportunity is Stockholm-based Yevo, debuting its Yevo 1 wireless eabuds ($249). Does the Yevo 1 offer a value proposition stronger than Apple's for iOS users looking for an incredible wire-free listening experience? Read on to find out.

Game Review: Through the Ages for iOS

By Mike Riley

The iOS game space has become fertile ground for physical board game conversions into their digital equivalents. Sometimes the results are pathetic while other times truly exceptional when put into the hands of a skilled developer passionate about the source material. Czech Games Edition's immensely popular board game Through the Ages has made just such a conversion into the digital gaming realm. Read on to find out if they have failed or succeeded in their efforts.