iPad

As a former weather guy, one part of the Apple announcement today really sparked my interest. The new iPad Air 2 will include a barometer. This both excites and makes me wonder just how well this feature will be harnessed. It is likely this is the same sensor introduced in the iPhone 6, though I admit that I haven't been able to test apps leveraging the feature yet.

I love the changing of the seasons. In fact October is one of my favorite months here in the US. From coast to coast, temperatures are cooling down, trees are lighting up with brilliant colors, and there's a refreshing nip to the air. With the return of the cooler weather, many of us are rummaging through our closets, as we put away our warm weather gear and search for our winter wear. If you are in the market for a new winter jacket (or if you're contemplating giving a warm jacket to that special someone) have I got an amazing recommendation for you!

Monster headphones have been in the business of making premium audio accessories for over three decades now, and they have built up quite a reputation by developing high-end audio gear. Over the years I've heard a great deal about the amazing quality of  the audio gear made by Monster, the company served as the launch pad for Apple-owned Beats by Dre. So when I had to opportunity to try a pair of the Monster Inspiration Lite on-ear headphones ($269.95), I was excited to see how these headphones from the company that helped shape the future of Beats would perform.

Out of a crowded field, the Jabra Revo Bluetooth headphones ($199.99) get my vote as one of best pairs of Bluetooth headphones of this year. Specifically, within the on-ear category of headphones, the Revo's performance is unparalleled. They are masterfully designed and show a remarkable level of attention to all of the details that go into making an exceptional pair of 'phones; from their intuitive user interface to the extreme torture testing they go through before they are shipped. I realize Bluetooth headphones aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you are looking for a top quality pair, the Revos are the best your money can buy.

The iPhone I've been requesting that Apple make is finally here. My iPhone 6 Plus safely arrived this morning and it's everything I hoped it would be. With great finesse and style, it encapsulates all I'd envisioned a larger iPhone would offer. I am not in the least bit disappointed, in fact, if it was a quarter-inch to a half-inch bigger that would've been just fine with me. My first impressions (and unboxing video) follow after the break.

Bayan Audio has a wireless speakerphone that you have to get your hands on called the Soundbook GO ($139.99). This amazing little mobile speaker is the real deal, producing 15 watts of crystal-clear sound with dynamic tones, and boasting an impressive set of extended features: NFC pairing, Bluetooth 4.0, Smart Cover—all contained in a sleek package that can be shoved into a travel bag.

If ever an iOS game deserved to have a movie made about it, it is Infinity Blade. In what will come as great news for any fans of the groundbreaking, award-winning iOS game, Infinity Blade is potentially about to be made into a short, fan-funded movie. At the helm of a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for this project is Josh Aker, composer of the Infinity Blade soundtracks. He talks to us about his vision and the incredible talent he's already amassed for this project in his Kickstarter video below. As you will see, his enthusiasm for the game and for the movie is infectious.

Game Centered features roundups and in-depth reviews of the best in iOS games and related gaming news. This week we’ve got a special edition to pay respect to the console classic first-person shooter, Bioshock ($14.99). This game not only took gaming to the next level at the time, its cinematic visuals and terrifyingly creepy storyline make this game equally compelling today as it makes its way to the gaming platform of the future, the iDevice.

I just learned of (and backed) a Kickstarter campaign to learn Swift and iOS 8 programming. It's being run by a friend and colleague of mine, named Paul Solt. He's an award-winning app developer and a great instructor. I've had the opportunity to attend live training from him, and he's offered video training before, also via Kickstarter, with great success.

Game Centered features roundups and in-depth reviews of the best in iOS games and related gaming news. This week's Game Centered takes a look at a new company in the video game industry, one with truly great potential. Skillz brings the first, for-profit gaming arena to the mobile platform. With video gaming (otherwise known as eSports) bringing in massive international audiences, and equally large profits, the competition to be a top gamer is fierce, and with millions of dollars in prizes and sponsorships on the line, eSports have become a bonafide professional-level sport.

1. Plush Pals ($39.99)

These adorable plush animals are a must have for any music-loving kid (or adult). Plug Freddy, Manny, or Patch into your iDevice and they'll sing your favorite song, act as if they're narrating a cartoon, or mimic your video game. A bonus? They're soft and cuddly, apart from the battery area in the bottom. See the Plush Pals in action on their website or right here. 

Monoprice has made quite a name for themselves lately, with their high-quality, low-price tech gear. Recently I had the opportunity to try out their newest pair of Bluetooth headphones, the Monoprice 10585 ($89.50). To say that these are an awesome pair of headphones would be an understatement. These are definitely one of the most comfortable pair of on-ear headphones I've ever tried on, at any price, and for under $90 these affordable and great sounding headphones might be hard to pass up. The 10585 sets itself apart from the crowd with a very unique sonic signature and physical design. If you think I'm kidding, then check out these specs:

With spring approaching, it’s important to add fresh stimulus to your living space. While this can be as simple as buying a new wall hanging or rearranging the furniture, I decided to improve my home computing space to make it ergonomic, space efficient, and flexible. One way to edge closer to tech Feng Shui is to try Ergotech’s flexible mounting systems. I tried the VersaStand ($79) for iPad and the Freedom Arm ($159) monitor mount with an articulating arm you can attach to the side of your desk. Mounting my various screens moved them up and off my desk, giving me room to work, and the option to pull them close and move them as necessary.

As much as I love Apple, I like what Microsoft is trying to do. But, heaven help me, I can't stand their commercials. "Honestly" starts each actor's fake testimonial. As if it wasn't obvious that these are primarily actors (except Seattle Seahawks player Russell Wilson) reading someone else's lines, by using the same words and format, Microsoft is being phony from the beginning in commercials that start and end with the word "Honestly." It insults the intelligence of the audience. Not to mention the valid charges of sexism. Interestingly, when searching using Yahoo (powered by Microsoft's Bing) none of the negative articles about the commercials show up, but under Google, they do. Whose search engine is being honest, now?

I love video games, which is convenient since I play a lot of them as I research my Game Centered column. Typically Game Centered focuses on breaking iOS-related game news and new releases, but in this special edition I'm going retro, with a Top 5 roundup of some of my old favorite iOS games. The following are enduring classics which still occupy precious space on my iDevices, and in my gamer’s heart.

Most of the time, I review a game because either I ask a developer if they want a review or because someone asks me to write a review.  Occasionally, however, I just feel compelled to write a review on my own, usually because I simply can’t stop playing the game that I’m reviewing.  Beach Hero (Free with IAP) is just such as case.  I honestly probably wouldn’t have even given the game a second thought had I not coming across it while compiling a list for a different article; but ever since I first launched the game, I find myself spending more time with it than just about anything else on my device. As a result I decided it was time to share it with iPhone Life's readers.

Since my recent trip to London, I've shared many travel tips. But this time I'm going to just let the following images speak for themselves. They come from the technology section of the upscale department store Harrod's. Look not only at the beauty of the crystals, diamonds, and gold plating, but at the prices associated with them. Keep in mind, a gold-plated iPhone 5s covered in diamonds becomes obsolete just as quickly as your basic model at AT&T or T-Mobile.

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