By Todd Bernhard
The new iPhones are out and they continue to get better, in particular when it comes to photography. But one area that could use help is lighting, especially when it comes to using the self-facing camera. That's where the Lighting Kit for Smartphone ($99.99) comes in. Lume Cube gave me a kit to try. I often record videos from trade shows and I can see how valuable this will be for me.
By Todd Bernhard
Like many Apple enthusiasts, I have a number of accessories that live on my nightstand and need to be charged. So that means my nightstand has a Qi-based wireless charger and an Apple Watch charging pad. Wouldn't it be nice if one charger could handle a couple of those items? Fortunately, Nomad sent me the Base Station ($119.95) to try.
By Todd Bernhard
Unfortunately, not all of our devices can charge wirelessly; so as long as we need A/C and USB ports, we will need a product like the ChargeHub Powerstation 360 ($59.99) that Limitless Innovations gave me the accessory to try. This is a well-built, serious power strip that addresses the deficiencies most competitors forget about.
By Todd Bernhard
Makeblock sent its Neuron Explorer Kit ($199.95) for me to try just in time for the holidays, and it will definitely make any STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) oriented children happy, and could even spark the interest of other kids.
By Todd Bernhard
If you've been on the fence about smartwatches, perhaps because you don't want to strap a geeky miniature iPhone on your wrist, check out the Timepiece (starting at $89). I don't normally recommend Kickstarter projects because they don't always come to fruition; but this one is already funded and Oaxis sent me one to try, so they are indeed able to build them!
By Todd Bernhard
I usually review high-tech gadgets, so I was surprised when Atari Life wanted to send me a hat to review. I should have known better. The Speakerhat ($129.99) is indeed a high-tech gadget, disguised as a collectible baseball hat! It's available in a curved brim or Snapback style.
By Todd Bernhard
I have been using and recommending Urban Armor Gear cases for iPhones, for many years. They had a clever promotion at the last few Consumer Electronics Shows in Las Vegas, where you turn in your old smartphone case, literally throwing it in a large, clear plastic bin, and they give you a new one. I did that and was happy to have the upgrade. But it occurred to me that, as valuable as my iPhone is, my laptop is even more important and harder to replace. This is why I was happy to review the Plasma MacBook Case ($79.95) when Urban Armor Gear gave me the case to try.
By Todd Bernhard
We were promised the paperless office years ago, but there are still times when it's better to put pen to paper. However, paper's drawback is that it's hard to preserve and share. The folks from Rocketbook sent me their Everlast, Mini, and Wave reusable smart notebooks called Rocketbooks (starting at $16) and I can see how useful they could be.
By Todd Bernhard
I had the opportunity to try Coolest Cooler ($249–399.99). Coolest gave me the accessory to try, just in time for tailgate season. The more I use the Coolest Cooler, the more impressed I am. Naturally, it's a rock-solid cooler and it keeps your drinks (and ice) cold... in fact it can hold 600 pounds and keep ice cold for four to five days! But the other features are where it really shines.
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Lynktec sent me their brand new Bolt Smart Car Mount & Qi Wireless Charger ($49.99.) I've reviewed several such products and they always fall short in one area or another. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the attention to detail in the Bolt.