Todd Bernhard

Review: Defense Vertical Wireless Chargers from X-Doria

By Todd Bernhard

I have a lot of Apple gear (iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches) but limited space, so I was glad when X-Doria sent its Defense Vertical Wireless Charger (starting at $39.99) to try. It is sold in two versions, a compact vertically-oriented stand for just a Qi-enabled smartphone or a wider version with an extra pad for AirPods (or even a second iPhone). That version also has an extra USB port so you could add your own cable to charge an Apple Watch, etc.

Review: Smart String Lights Get Smarter for 2019 Season

By Todd Bernhard

One of the neat things about writing product reviews for iPhone Life for over a decade is getting to see enhanced versions of products I've reviewed in the past. Case in point, Twinkly sent a review unit of its updated Smart LED String Lights (starting at $148.95). As with the previous generation, they are intelligent holiday lights that can be programmed to display solid colors or patterns.

Review: AirTrio & AirQuad Wireless Charging Dock

By Todd Bernhard

I am always on the lookout for the ideal way to charge all of my gear, which is typically made by Apple. The folks at Pitaka may have the answer. Their upcoming AirTrio and AirQuad (starting at $119) is currently a bargain on Kickstarter; and while crowdfunded projects don't always come to fruition, Pitaka is an established manufacturer and I've reviewed its other items before. The company sent me an AirQuad to review, so I can confirm that it's real. And it's really nice.

Review: Standing Desk Makes Using the iPad Touchscreen Easier

By Todd Bernhard

Steve Jobs was often asked about the concept of a touchscreen Mac. He believed that a desktop computer should not have a touchscreen because it put too much strain on the user to reach forward and up to touch or drag a finger across a touchscreen throughout the work day. It's hard to keep your hand elevated for long periods and he felt the iPad was better suited on your lap or balanced on another arm, etc. But something happened since he left us. The iPad got bigger and gained USB-C so you can plug in peripherals. The new iPadOS adds multitasking and Apple is openly asking us to ask "what is a computer", so now it's not unreasonable to see a fully loaded iPad Pro on a desk with a keyboard, companion monitor, and even a mouse.

Review: These Wireless Earbuds Have a Charging Case That Doubles as a Speaker

By Todd Bernhard

I am not usually a fan of earbuds as it's hard to get a good, comfortable fit, but the Portable 2-in-1 Music Pill ($69) that Vissles sent me to review are lightweight and comfortable, and stay put. Most importantly, they sound good, with nice stereo separation, touch control, and an integrated voice assistant. They are made of plastic, which does help keep them light. The real distinction is that when the earbuds are placed in their charging case, the case itself becomes a speaker!

Review: Turn Your iPad Pro into a Multiport Computer

By Todd Bernhard

Apple is blurring the lines between computers and iPads and that's a good thing. The newer iPad Pros use USB-C, just like the latest MacBooks. But there are so many times I need to plug in USB-A devices like keyboards, headphones, an HDMI monitor, memory cards, and more, so it puts USB-C only devices at a disadvantage. Numerous vendors have offered a variety of adapters to address this, but often they are molded to fit the form factor of a specific iPad or MacBook and that limits what you can use the adapter with, now and in the future.

Review: iHome Zenergy Bluetooth Speaker Offers Light & Sound Therapy

By Todd Bernhard

The folks at iHome have a wide variety of speakers that offer a variety of features like Qi-based wireless charging, Alexa integration, radio, alarm clock, etc. but they sent me one, the Zenergy Bluetooth Speaker ($35.08) that has none of those features. Still, for many people, the features it does have will be greatly appreciated. It is a Bluetooth speaker that charges via microUSB but that's not what makes it stand out. The Zenergy is designed to help you sleep better. This is accomplished by an impressive 15 distinct sleep sounds. Unlike traditional mechanical sound machines, this plays recorded and engineered sounds and even incorporates a gentle voice guiding you to sleep or a meditative state with yoga-inspired guided breathing. 

Review: onTracks GuideWatch GPS Fitness Band

By Todd Bernhard

I have reviewed hundreds if not thousands of gadgets over the past ten years, writing for iPhone Life magazine, so it's rare that I run into something dramatically different. But it took a French firm, onTracks, to surprise me. The company sent me a review unit of its onTracks GuideWatch (starting at €179) and I'll never look at smart watches the same way again.

Review: Kodak Smile Classic 2-in-1 Camera & Printer

By Todd Bernhard

As a native of Rochester, NY, home of Kodak, I always have a soft spot for Kodak gear. The company created the photography industry but then watched as competitors like Polaroid and later smartphones took over. It looks like Kodak is back in the game with its new Kodak Smile Classic ($149.99) which the folks there sent to me to try. I own the latest Fuji and Polaroid instant cameras so I was pleased to see several enhancements that those devices don't match.

Review: Blue Light Blocking Shades from Lucyd Make Reading Screens Easy on the Eyes

By Todd Bernhard

I have reviewed the Bluetooth-enabled sunglasses from Lucyd, which Lucyd developed in partnership with NFL star Richard Sherman, and found them to be affordable and useful, so I was anxious to try their newest collaboration, known as Sherman Shades. These are an assortment of stylish sunglasses (or clear glasses) designed to make screen reading easier with blue light blocking. Lucyd sent me the Cool Down Glasses ($24.99), which is one of four styles.

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