Review

The Scarf is the perfect ultrathin iPhone 6 case for minimalists

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

If like me you're not into cases but do care about adding a layer of protection to your iPhone, then you might want to check out The Scarf, an ultrathin case made by California-based company Totallee. Self proclaimed the world's thinnest case, The Scarf is 0.35 mm thin, and weights less than 0.20 ounces (about 5.5 grams), which equals to about the weight of a standard sheet of paper. In essence, The Scarf is the perfect case for the minimalists who usually wouldn't use a case, such as me.

Made of lightweight yet tough polypropylene, The Scarf provides basic protection against scratches and daily wear and tear, while complimenting your iPhone with a minimalistic design.

Stair: Slide the Blocks to Ascend review – the name says it all

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

I love it when a completely new type of game comes out. It’s not that often that we, as game reviewers, get to play around with something that has not yet been done to death in one form or another, even in our most favorite genres.

Stair: Slide the Blocks to Ascend is different than most types of games I’ve played, yet its simplicity makes it so easy to get engrossed in that it seems like I’d been playing it for years. It is technically an endless jumper, but not like Knightmare Tower or Ninja Up. We’ve got a hands-on game review of Stair for your reading enjoyment today.

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut review

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

Fans of tactical military turn-based strategy games can step into a future where humans merge with technology to become superhuman. Sprinkle a little magic into the equation and you’ve got a tactical game for every walk of life.

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut is such a game and features a dystopian future where tech and magic collide, creating the kinds of criminal element you would never wish to encounter in real life. We’ve got a full game review of Shadowrun: Dragonfall for you right now.

Divoom Bluetooth speakers offer big sound in a small package

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

The market is crowded with Bluetooth speakers. Every time you turn around, there is someone selling another Bluetooth speaker. They are an excellent iOS device accessory and I recommend having at least one. Of course, they run the full range of prices and I have had my hands on cheap and expensive several hundred dollar models.

When choosing a speaker, it is important to decide what is most important to you. Do you need one small enough to throw in your bag or do you prefer a home theater style option that can shake the walls with crisp and booming sound? Divoom is on the lower end of the Bluetooth spectrum. Providing small packaged, portable Bluetooth speakers with a rugged edge is the niche market for the Texas based company, which sent them over for review.

The Kodiak Power Bank will keep your iPhone charged in the rain, snow, or sand

Jim Gresham ∙ December 16, 2014

Samsung called us iPhone users wall huggers in their recent commercial attacks. Sure, we charge fairly frequently, but iPhone owners just like using their device more and do it more frequently. Right? Sometimes that leads to a low battery. Even with an iPhone 6 Plus touting about 10 usage hours before depleting, I sometimes find myself in scenarios where additional charge is critical.

There are loads of battery backups on the market. Just walking into a 7-11 convenient store will reveal small stick sized charging devices for a few bucks. But, a backup is one of those you-get-what-you-pay-for experiences. Take a look inside for details on Outdoor Tech's Kodiak Power Bank.

The Stratus XL controller takes iOS gaming to the next level [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Since Apple announced MFi controller support for iOS games, fewer options appeared than originally anticipated. The reason for a slow response is a bit surprising. However, my point of view is slightly skewed as an iOS accessory hardware reviewer. Still, I cannot imagine why app developers would not want to build in the support. Even more shocking is the small list of hardware options.

At CES 2014, it seemed like controllers would be the new thing. Unfortunately, several companies I chatted with never released their controller. We have come a long way since January 2014 and a full year plus another six months since the MFi controller support protocol released at WWDC.

SteelSeries was one of the first companies to-market with their SteelSeries Stratus. The Stratus was an extremely small MFi controller, but perfect for on-the-go gamers. Recently, they released the Stratus XL, a full sized battle tested design, similar to a true console handheld. After settling down with the XL, it changed the way I look at iOS as a gaming platform.

Braveland Wizard review: a turn-based strategy game where magic is king

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

In March, a fun turn-based strategy game called Braveland found its way into the App Store and my heart. I recall enjoying the illustrated fighters and the simplistic game mechanics. In that world, your hero is a warrior, fighting for his people. Braveland is back, but with a new hero, a new landscape, and new enemies to destroy.

Braveland Wizard is the sequel. In it, players control a newly graduated wizard who is on a mission to find out who stole the book that is used to complete a wizard’s final test. While much of the mechanics are the same, this new title offers plenty of additional gameplay features. We’ve got a hands-on game review of Braveland Wizard for you today.

Never forget to water your plants again with the Parrot Flower Power smart sensor

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

No one in my home has a green thumb. Sure, like any normal family we have some decorative blooms around the house, but nothing to get too crazy over. Mostly because we are a family on the go, plants suffer in both the summer and winter, when the weather is most extreme. If plants could talk, right?

Well, Parrot developed a way to get the data you need about plants, simply by walking by. While we may be too busy to notice a plant while rushing past, what if you could receive a shout of desperation. A plant begging you for water through a push notification is hard to ignore.

This micro USB to Lightning cable adapter can help eliminate cable clutter

Jim Gresham ∙ December 10, 2014

Tired of carrying around multiple cables? Of course you are! Lots of gadgets pile up around iOS devices. There are battery cases, portable Bluetooth speakers, powered headphones, and the like. Unfortunately, none of them use Lightning cables for charging as they instead require a micro USB.

I keep both a Lightning cable and micro USB cable in my daypack at all times. Actually, I keep two Lightning and two micro USB cables in my pack. My forgetfulness only proves the challenge of keeping enough cords around. If only there was a cable to satisfy both standards. Thanks to accessory maker TYLT, the Syncable-Duo is just the solution.

Control up to five Bluetooth devices with the Satechi wireless keyboard

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 20, 2017

Apple only produces a small wireless keyboard, which is frustrating for users that require the benefits of a full sized option. Using an Apple wireless keyboard for home use is usually manageable. However, using a reduced keyboard in the office is more of a struggle. The lack of a number pad is extremely complicated when entering digit data and the like.

Why Apple is yet to produce a full size, Bluetooth keyboard is beyond understanding. Third party companies are starting to enter the space with designs that compliment Macs. For several years, Logitech and other companies offered wireless keyboards, but they are bulky and clash with Apple's aesthetic. Satechi's Wireless Smart Keyboard is filling the gap.

Premium and Stylish Phiaton Bridge MS 500 Headphones [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Headphones are one of those device categories where more money does not necessarily equate to a better quality product. Many branded, read "designer," headphones cost extra simply because they have a celebrity backing them. There is a single branded headphone line that gets most of the attention and offer a high price tag for entry.

There are ways to more intelligently choose a pair of cans. Make sure the sound is superior quality. Of course, pay attention to build quality, but sound is paramount when purchasing headphones. Start with plastic. If the entire headphone is plastic, start second guessing your purchase. Pulling the Phiaton Bridge MS 500's from the box was quite a rewarding experience, complete with machined aluminum, perforated leather, and red stitching.

Selfy case kinda turns your iPhone into a GoPro

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated February 3, 2015

Where do I even begin talking about selfies? Everyone loves a good selfie. They are wildly popular across the world, even causing South Korea to ban "unregulated" selfie stick sales. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat, and other forms of popular social media channels are completely filled with selfies. What caused our self obsession will never be explained, but the selfie is here to stay.

The selfie stick was one of the first hardware selfie assistants. I saw them around touristy places when I traveled, but didn't think much of them about a year ago. Now, they are increasingly popular and being utilized in everyday places. Several iterations of selfie-inspired accessories cropped up and iLuv is capitalizing on the fad. Launching "selfy," iLuv guarantees you will always have a quick way to snap a selfie and includes a laundry list of add-ons to assist.