Accessories

Nanoleaf Aurora is my favorite HomeKit lighting solution

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 19, 2017

I've tested many HomeKit lighting solutions, though nothing quite like the Nanoleaf Aurora. It is a collection of triangular LED panels that you can arrange into any shape you can think of, only limited by the number of panels.

The limitless animations and color combinations makes this one of the most fun and attention-getting pieces of decor you can add to your home. Check out our hands-on video to see the different animations and color schemes for yourself. Then read on for our in-depth review.

Grovemade Catch-All is a simple way to store your everyday items

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 19, 2017

Everyone has a menagerie of things to grab with them when they head out the door. Keys. Sunglasses. Your iPhone. Wallet. Instead of tossing them into a bowl or tray, Grovemade has created a more elegant solution they call the Catch-All that will easily hold you go-to items, as well as keep some unsightly ones out of view.

Sylvania starts preorders for new HomeKit bulb and light strip

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 18, 2017

Sylvania has now started taking preorders for two additional products in their SMART+ lineup. A new soft white LED bulb, and a full-color LED light strip. Similar to the color LED bulb (that we recently reviewed), they require no hub or Wi-Fi to operate, are HomeKit compatible, and can connect directly to your device.

Native Union adds USB-C to their lineup of exceptional cables

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 16, 2017

It's become commonplace at this point to use a high quality Lightning cable than those that come with your iPhone. One of our favorite manufacturers of superior cables has been Native Union. Recently, they've adopted USB-C as well, releasing a whole lineup of cables with the new connector type.

The best 4K HDR TV sets for the new Apple TV 4K

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

In the market for a 4K TV? There's never been a better time to get one. They're cheaper than ever before. There's more 4K content available than ever before. And not only is Apple now selling 4K Apple TVs, but it has also promised to upgrade everyone's HD iTunes movies to 4K (as they become available) for free.

So the question is no longer should you get a 4K TV, but which 4K TV should you get? That's where iDB comes in. We've put together a guide of some of the best 4K TVs available right now based on a variety of factors including pricing, feature set, personal experience, customer feedback and expert reviews.

iPad Pro from a college student’s perspective

Samuel Rentz ∙ Updated November 15, 2017

With the introduction of the iPad Pro and the subsequent unveiling of iOS 11, Apple has continually asserted that the iPad is the future of computing.

It has been a slow process getting to where we are now, but due to a few key developments, I chose this past summer to switch from my seasoned 13-inch MacBook Air to the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro for the bulk of my college computing needs.

I have done my best to optimize my workflow to fit this new mode of computing, and I am here today to let you know how this has worked out.

Video: Hands on with the Belkin BOOST UP Qi wireless charger

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 11, 2017

At Apple's much ballyhooed iPhone press event in September, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were all announced to support wireless charging for the first time. Not only that, but they adopted the popular Qi wireless charging standard seen in many Android phones on the market.

This Android app lets you use AirPods with Google Assistant

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

AirPods allow you to easily summon Siri just by double-tapping either earbud, and you can optionally assign other actions to each earpiece with specific controls such as Play, Pause, Next Track, Previous Track and more.

Review: Sylvania HomeKit Smart+ full color LED bulb works without a hub

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 11, 2017

The go-to HomeKit accessory that the majority of people jump to is lightbulbs. Everyone can use them, and they offer a ton of functionality. That is why products like the Philips Hue system took off. The Sylvania Smart+ LED bulb is a great alternative, because it requires no expensive networked hub, and instead talks directly with your devices.

The Twelve South CaddySack is a great way to carry your gear

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 11, 2017

Between different adapters, cords, chargers, etc, traveling can be a bit tedious. CaddySack from TwelveSouth is a stylish, elegant way to keep all your knickknacks together when you're on the go.

Video: Garmin 65W dash cam also tries to keep you alert while driving

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 10, 2017

The dash cam market has been taking off in recent years.

V-Moda REMIX Bluetooth speaker tries to tap into the future [video review]

Andrew O'Hara ∙ October 6, 2017

V-Moda is historically known for making premium headphones, including some with 3D printed customizations. The REMIX is their first foray into the Bluetooth speaker market. The goal of the REMIX is to be as forward thinking as possible. While it is true in many regards, it does have a couple missteps along the way.