The new Apple TV has a lot of promise, thanks to its ability to run third-party apps. As more developers wrap their heads around how to write (and play)Apple TV gaming apps, it could become a more compelling purchase. One such developer is Happy Labs, which makes a few such Apple TV apps, including Happy Swordplay ($2.99).
Todd Bernhard
Review: eBlocker Provides Invisible Protection and Security
By Todd Bernhard
Privacy and security is a hot topic, but most people don't know how to secure their desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. If you use PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices, each has its own software and settings to manage things like privacy and ad blocking. That's where the eBlocker Pro ($133.61). comes in.
Review: Pryme Headsets Let You Turn Your iPhone into a Walkie Talkie
By Todd Bernhard
As a kid, I loved playing with walkie talkies. I even had a set that I wore as a headset, to keep my hands free. In many ways, cellphones have become the new walkie talkie. However, they don't include the push-to-talk feature that made Walkie Talkies so cool.
Will Prince’s Exclusivity with Tidal Give the Streaming Service a Much Needed Boost?
By Todd Bernhard
The passing of Prince Rogers Nelson at just 57 years old has shocked and saddened music fans around the world, prompting many of them to turn to his music for consolation. But they are out of luck if they want to access his 39 original albums, not to mention concert recordings and compilations, on Apple Music and most streaming services. That's because this past July Prince pulled his library from all streaming services, except Jay Z's Tidal.
Apple's computers, smartphones, and other gear are all pretty cool, but lately Apple has been working building on its most outrageous and cool item to date: its new campus. The office building will be larger than the Pentagon and is designed with the latest technology. The building is longer than a mile in length and will house 13,000 employees in 2.8 million square feet of office space. Check out the video at the end of this post.
I had the opportunity to try a few VRS Design cases for my new iPhone SE, including their Crystal Bumper Series Case ($32.99). While most iPhone 5s cases will "just work" out of the box, VRS deliberately created new versions for the iPhone SE. The result is, while the phone has the hard, flat edges of the iPhone 5 and 5s, when ensconced in cases from the Crystal Bumper Series or High Pro Shield Series or Thor Series, they resemble the soft, curved edges of the iPhone 6 and 6s. If you like that, then these cases can make the iPhone SE feel like the 6 series.
Kickstarter: Personalize Your Apple Watch Band with iPops
By Todd Bernhard
Apple has released a plethora of Apple Watch bands to let users give their Apple Watch a personal touch, but a low-cost option dubbed iPops goes even further. You insert an iPop into one of the holes in your Apple Watch band and have your own Pandora-style bracelet that tells a story. iPops are like emojis that you wear.
Review: The Sandman Clock Doubles as a Multi-Device Charging Station
By Todd Bernhard
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, I almost skipped past the Sandman Clocks booth. After all, how high tech can a clock be and what does a clock have to do with iPhones? A lot, as it turns out. The 4-Port USB Charging Clock ($29) from Sandman Clocks is first and foremost a clock. That is apparent from the bright and large red LED numerals that are easy to see, day and night. They take up almost the full size of the clock, which is great, especially if you keep it far away from your nightstand. But what really sets the Sandman Clock apart is that it has four USB ports, including a high powered port for charging tablets, which allows it to act as a multi-device charging station. I have my iPhone, iPad mini, Apple TV Siri remote, and Apple Watch on my nightstand. This could charge all of those and not take up any more wall outlets. The Sandman Clock would be ideal for hotels that want to accommodate their guests' many USB devices, without making them unplug a lamp as I've had to do too often.
I had the opportunity to try Wi-Fi HDD P700 ($119.99) from Emtec. I liked the truly massive amount of storage (1 TB or 2 TB) it offers compared to most competing offerings which are solid state based and offer 16 GB to 64 GB. I also liked that it offers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet based router capability. The device offers six hours of battery life, plus iOS and Android support with multi-user support (up to eight users). However, it is somewhat expensive and users must have the free "Emtec Connect" app to access the content.
Save on Siri Remote for the New Apple TV
By Todd Bernhard
One of the best featutes of the new Apple TV is the Siri Remote. Navigating through apps and content is a lot easier when you can talk to your TV via the remote. Plus the remote has gyroscopic sensors so it can double as a game controller. But it's also quite small and, if you have a black couch like I do, it's easy to lose. If that happens, you'll want a replacement, but you might be shocked to learn that it costs $79. That's more than the previous generation Apple TV.