Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!
An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.
By Todd Bernhard
I travel a lot, for both work and pleasure. I attend industry trade shows and take trips with my family everywhere from Europe to the Middle East to Asia. I’m writing this from my hotel in Disney World, where I’m visiting my daughter who works at the park. With my role as my family’s unofficial travel agent, I do a lot of research and have found that I can plan an entire vacation on iOS.
By Todd Bernhard
At $699, the iPhone 12 mini is not Apple’s cheapest iPhone. That title still belongs to the $399 iPhone SE 2020, but the mini is indeed the cheapest iPhone with 5G. It is also the cheapest iPhone with Face ID, the latest CPU, and Apple’s dual-camera system. But what is really impressive is that it is also the smallest iPhone with all of the above features!
By Todd Bernhard
I have reviewed a number of robot vacuums over the years and it looks like the folks at Neabot have done as as well. They have learned a number of lessons and launched a Kickstarter for their Neabot NoMo Hands-Free Robot Vacuum ($499). I rarely write about crowdfunded projects, but this is a real product and Neabot sent me a review unit to try. The only thing I didn't get to try was the free companion mobile app that promises to let you control the path of the vacuum. The app wasn't ready in time for my review.
By Todd Bernhard
You might not get excited by something as mundane as a USB-C A/C adapter, but in this case, you should. The future is USB-C, which gives you greater compatibility, faster charging, and a reversible plug. Apple has embraced USB-C for its MacBooks and the Pro version of its iPads. It's likely that future iPhones will join the party as well. But, you get a USB-C adapter with your MacBook so what's the big deal about the Omnia 100W PD Fast Charger ($54.99) that Aukey sent me to try?
By Todd Bernhard
I own several cars, and while I'm not a mechanic, I do like to be able to see what's going on with them. When I get the generic "Check Engine Light" I want to know if I really need to bring it in for service. I was excited to try the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool ($99.95), and when I did, I realized it's a game changer.
By Todd Bernhard
We are all trying to stay healthy and one way to protect yourself is to sanitize items you touch frequently, especially your smartphone. The folks at ZAGG, owners of InvisibleShield, among other brands, have been shipping alcohol wipes with their screen protectors, so it was a no-brainer to offer Disinfecting Wipes (starting at $4.99) on their own.
By Todd Bernhard
I love when a product I've reviewed gets better. Case in point, the Adonit Note. I recently reviewed it, and I won't cover all of the details because much of those observations remain. Instead, I'll focus on what's new or different with the Adonit Note-UVC ($69.99) that Adonit sent me to try.
By Todd Bernhard
It is easy to dismiss the Plankster ($99) from Stealth Body Fitness as a child's toy if you don't pay attention. Given the sub-$100 price tag, you might think it is something you could get for the kids to keep them busy. But Stealth sent me a review unit to try and let me tell you, it's a serious piece of fitness equipment despite the fact that it costs less than the sales tax on a Peloton! Plus it exercises multiple muscle groups. And it does so in a fun, entertaining manner, with no membership fees required!
By Todd Bernhard
It might seem counterintuitive, but you should consider adding something to your travel kit that stops certain device functions. Specifically, the Databloc ($17.95) that Eyebloc sent me to try. The concept of the device is simple: it's a USB adapter that you add to the USB cable you normally travel with. The other end of the cable is either USB-A or USB-C depending on what you order. So what does this do, other than add an inch to your cable and convert a USB-A to USB-C if needed? It removes the data transfer functionality. Put simply, it's like a firewall that you don't even have to think about.
By Todd Bernhard
Everyone uses webcams for video conferencing these days. But sometimes you want privacy and to be certain that those cameras are off. The folks at Eyebloc have a solution that is different from traditional webcam covers. Eyebloc sent me a review sample of their Nanobloc Webcam Covers ($8.99). Instead of adding something plastic with moving parts that can break or prevent your laptop from closing completely, Eyeblocs are a peelable, reusable sticker that you place directly on top of the camera lens.
Apple is pretty good about updating its products, but it seems to have forgotten about the Calendar app and its many downsides. The makers of Informant 5, on the other hand, do not forget to regularly improve their app based on user experience and feedback. The latest updates to this calendar and task-management app are a productivity game-changer.
CASEBUDi’s Tool and Asset Tracking Case can help you protect items such as tools, ladders, generators, motorbikes, and other valuables that need more than a dainty keychain AirTag case. With a discreet, low-profile design, this rugged case can help you secure an AirTag to almost anything in your garage, truck, or at your job site using screws, bolts, zip ties, etc. It is plastic with a screw-on lid closure, protecting your AirTag from the weather, water, and dirt. With CASEBUDi’s case, your AirTag can track your equipment easily with the Find My app on your Apple device.
