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  • Top Ten Gadgets for Traveling

    Top Ten Gadgets for Traveling

    It’s that time of year when you’ll likely find yourself traveling. Whether you’re going on vacation with family, going hiking, or just taking a trip to the pool, you’ll want to bring the right gadgets. Today, we’re looking at the top ten gadgets for traveling! Make sure you don’t leave home without them!’

    The Best Gadgets for Traveling

    UE Wonderboom

    Photo Credit: CNET

    When you travel, it’s great to bring a high-quality speaker along with you! That way, if you want to listen to music or watch Netflix, you don’t have to do it through your phone speaker. Our favorite wireless speaker is the UE Wonderboom, a powerful and waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It retails for around $80, but you can often find it on sale for less! It’s a fantastic value and a great travel gadget.

    Amazon Fire HD 8

    Photo Credit: PC Mag

    While the Apple iPad might be a touch expensive, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is much more affordable! It retails right around $80, making it a budget alternative to more expensive tablets. If you’re looking for a good, inexpensive device to accompany you on your trip, look no further!

    Panasonic ErgoFit RP-TCM125

    Photo Credit: CNET

    While Bose makes the greatest headphone for long trips, Panasonic’s ErgoFit earbuds are solid for their price. Retailing for only $12, you get a good quality sound for an incredible value. If you’re just looking for a good pair of earbuds to listen to an audiobook or music on the plane, look no further!

    iPad

    Photo Credit: Harvey Norman

    Apple’s excellent tablet speaks for itself when it comes to portability. Whether you’re reading eBooks, watching Netflix or just browsing the web, the iPad is a great piece of technology. While it’s not the most affordable tablet in the world, it is the best, and when paired with a keyboard cover it’s even better. Speaking of keyboard covers…

    Logitech Slim Folio

    Photo Credit: Logitech

    The Logitech Slim Folio is the most excellent keyboard cover on the market for the iPad. While the iPad is a fine device on its own, it’s made all the better by the presence of a real keyboard. This cover is a great value at $60, as it has great typing action and protects your iPad. Scratches, scrapes and falls are no concern, nor is awkward typing! Great for keeping your pack light so you don’t have to bring a laptop on vacation with you.

    Bose QuietComfort 35 II

    Photo Credit: Tech Radar

    Don’t you love when you sit down on the plane and there’s a screaming child in the seat in front of you? The best thing about Bose’s noise canceling headphones is canceling out that very sound. These headphones aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re worth every penny when they drown out the horrible sounds of other peoples’ children.

    Anker USB-PD Charger

    Photo Credit: Amazon
    You’re going to need a way to charge all this high-tech gadgetry, and what better way than with this multi-port wall charger? The coolest thing about this entry from Anker is its power delivery, or PD. It boasts enough energy to charge even tough devices like the Nintendo Switch and high-end laptops! Not to mention, the multiple out-ports allow you to charge multiple devices from the same outlet. Pretty handy!

    Anker PowerCore Fusion

    Photo Credit: Gadget Flow

    Along the same lines as the USB-PD charger, the PowerCore Fusion is a multi-port wall charger. It’s also a portable battery! If you’re not concerned with charging a Switch or a laptop, this is a great alternative! It doubles as a pocket backup-battery in case your gadgets need juice when there’s no outlet nearby.

    Hestia Goods Switch Carrying Case

    Photo Credit: Toygle

    If you’re traveling with your Switch, make sure you get a good carrying case for it! The Hestia Goods case is our favorite, as it’s durable and stylish. The best part is, it’s only around $11! That’s how you protect your console in style and on a budget!

    The Best Gadget for Travel: Nintendo Switch

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia

    The Nintendo Switch is the ideal gaming console for those on the go. If you want to play full-scale console games on a handheld device, the Switch is how you do it. Easily blowing the iPad and your phone out of the water, the games here are real, AAA titles. Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild and even Skyrim are all available on the go! What better way to pass a long plane trip than exploring Hyrule?

  • Missing Faces: Franchises We Need on Nintendo Switch

    Missing Faces: Franchises We Need on Nintendo Switch

    The Nintendo Switch has proved quite popular since its launch in March of 2017. The momentum of the console has continued quite well into its second year, with titles like Mario Tennis Aces, Octopath Traveler and Kirby Star Allies keeping the console fresh. Later this year, fans will be treated to Mario Party, Smash Bros and Pokemon entries that are brand new to the console. However, there are still many franchises and games that we’ve yet to see on the system. In fact, today’s list focuses entirely on franchises we need on Nintendo Switch that haven’t been given solid titles or release dates yet. We’re focusing mostly on Nintendo franchises, but they’re not the only games we want to see on the system.

    2D Mario

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    From 2006 to 2012 Nintendo flooded the market with serviceable but somewhat “same-y” 2D Mario titles. New Super Mario Bros on the DS, a sequel on the Wii, another DS title and a sequel on the Wii U followed. After years of diminishing returns in terms of sales and critical response, Nintendo backed off of 2D Mario. In fact, they backed off so hard that we haven’t seen a proper 2D Mario game (not counting Super Mario Run) since 2012. And, to be honest, that’s not a bad thing: Nintendo overdid it there for a while.

    However, it’s been long enough now that audiences have had time to recover from Mario fatigue. To capitalize on the Switch’s success and bring in old fans, Nintendo should revive the 2D franchise but drop the “New” branding. Just “Super Mario Bros” is good, and a focus on tight, classic platforming would serve them well.

    Animal Crossing

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    Animal Crossing: New Leaf was the last proper entry in the series, and it came out on 3DS in 2012. That’s a long time for no proper entries in the series to come out! The Switch is a natural fit for the franchise, which has seen success on both home and portable consoles. As of yet there are no official plans to bring Animal Crossing to the console, but it is high on the list of franchises we need on Nintendo Switch. The combination of zen-like gameplay and cute animal friends makes it an ideal match for the hybrid console. Imagine enjoying spending time with your animal buddies on the go or on the big screen!

    Golden Sun

    Photo Credit: Golden Sun Wiki

    The last entry in the series, Dark Dawn, was released in 2010. As such, the Switch is the ideal home for the next entry in this legendary RPG series. The fantastic story and gameplay would lend themselves well to the hybrid console. Enjoying seeing Djinn summon an ass-whooping on the big screen would be excellent. As of yet, there are no plans for a revival of the series, however.

    F-Zero

    Photo Credit: GoNintendo

    The criminally underrated F-Zero franchise has been dormant for more than 15 years. That’s absolutely nuts! Three distinct console generations have passed since the last time we saw Captain Falcon take to the track. The fast-paced, futuristic racer’s absence has led indie developers to try their hand at the genre, with games like Fast RMX popping up to scratch the itch. Sadly, it’s not the same as the polished, high-energy outings from Nintendo. Switch would be an ideal home for a revival!

    Star Fox

    Photo Credit: Nintendo Wiki

    While Star Fox has had no shortage of entries, the franchise has been in a bit of a slump in terms of quality. 2016’s Star Fox Zero got mixed reviews, due in large part to its highly unusual control scheme and uneven difficulty. However, a potential Switch port or sequel could address these problems by just having a normal control scheme. Honestly, the Star Fox formula is so solid that it’s surprising how often Nintendo releases downright awful Star Fox games.

    Earthbound

    Photo Credit: Twitch

    Fan favorite series Earthbound is known for its witty dialogue, humorous use of game mechanics and top-notch world building. The last entry in the series, Mother 3, saw a Japanese release on GBA, but has yet to get an English-language localization. The series isn’t a dead-ringer for Switch due to the system’s hardware, but instead simply due to the series rock-solid pedigree. Honestly, any new Earthbound would be a fantastic turn, regardless of the hardware it’s released on.

    Kid Icarus

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    Kid Icarus: Uprising was a surprise hit in 2012 when it released, reviving a long-dormant slumber from decades of inactivity. Smash Bros director Masahiro Sakurai helmed development of the fast-paced shooting game, which carries his distinct trademarks. The only major complaint leveled at the game is the unusual control scheme, which would be addressed completely by the Switch, as it uses conventional controls for its games. The addition of gyro aiming, and portability, make the possibility of a sequel to Uprising rather tantalizing. Sadly, no plans to bring the series to switch have surfaced yet.

    Luigi’s Mansion

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The charming, pseudo-horror franchise Luigi’s Mansion most recently saw a sequel, Dark Moon, released on 3DS. In fact, the original is even seeing an updated remake on 3DS. However, a third entry on Switch could greatly benefit from gyro aiming and the hybrid portability of the system. It could even forego the mission structure of Dark Moon. Many gamers favor of the Resident Evil-style puzzle exploration of the original. A Switch entry could bring back the things people loved about both entries in the franchise.

    Chrono Trigger

    Photo Credit: Polygon

    There’s nothing about the system in particular that makes this one of the franchises we need on Nintendo Switch. No, Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest traditional RPGs ever released, and a sequel to it (not Chrono Cross) would be fantastic to see on Switch. The huge success of Octopath Traveler and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has proved that RPGs perform well on the system.

    Advance Wars

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The finest tactical wargame ever released, Advance Wars would be a natural fit on the Switch. The series revolves around tactical turn-based military strategy. A spiritual successor, the non-Nintendo Tiny Metal, is evidence that fans of the series are eager to see a proper release. Another spiritual successor, Wargroove, is set to release in 2020. However, none of these fan-made indie tributes can quite live up to the real thing. Nintendo, do the right thing and bring back Advance Wars!

  • Shaken, not Stirred: Coolest James Bond Gadgets

    Shaken, not Stirred: Coolest James Bond Gadgets

    If there’s anything people remember about Bond, it’s the gadgets. While the titular hero of the James Bond series is suave and charismatic, it’s his awesome gadgets that set him apart. If you’ve ever wished you had an oil-slick in your car, this list is for you. Today, we’re talking about the coolest James Bond gadgets! It’s time to save the world!

    Mini Scuba Tank

    Photo Credit: Duke Limited

    First appearing in 1965’s Thunderball, this tiny device is quintessential Bond. The small scuba tank often enters the conversation of coolest James Bond gadgets. Small enough to fit in his suit pocket, Bond uses this gadget to slip aboard many aquatic vessels in the film series. Given its early appearance, it’s easy to see why this gadget is so strongly associated with the character. It’s essentially just two small tanks of compressed air, and while it looks awesome, real-world examples of this tech would likely just use filters instead of compressed air.

    Grenade-Launching Pen

    Photo Credit: BondMovies.com

    Seen in Never Say Never Again, this gadget is firmly in the “what the heck” school of Bond gadgets. The pen has an explosive tip and launches it with a pneumatic hiss. The film’s femme fatale Fatima is ultimately defeated by Bond thanks to this gadget. After all her awesome action sequences, it’s almost a shame to see her laid low by a ballpoint pen. At least it was a ridiculously cool explosive pen, but still.

    Rocket Cigarette

    Photo Credit: Time

    Proving that the film was made in 1967, You Only Live Twice features a scene where Bond gets out of a dire situation by asking to smoke a cigarette. Blofeld, the film’s antagonist and one of Bond’s nemeses, has captured Bond and plans to kill him. Before his execution, Bond asks if he can smoke one last cigarette. Blofeld’s men acquiesce and are shocked to find Bond has a rocket-launching cigarette. Q seems to have a taste for making explosive-launching gadgets out of mundane objects.

    Flamethrower Bagpipe

    Photo Credit: Daily Record

    1999’s The World is Not Enough featured this absurd gadget. Bond is presented with a bagpipe that not only houses a flamethrower, but also has a machine gun functionality. Proving that the Brosnan Era had some of the most over-the-top gadgets, this one didn’t see any actual combat in the film. It did, however, elicit an awful joke from Bond. “I suppose we’ve all got to pay the piper sometime, right Q?”

    X-Ray Shades

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Also seen in The World is Not Enough, these X-Ray Shades are actually pretty cool. As CGI had caught up to the Bond films, more advanced gadgets like this were easier to portray on-screen. Brosnan’s Bond is able to keep tabs on the guns being toted by henchmen thanks to these stylish, high-tech glasses.

    Detonite Toothpaste

    Photo Credit: James Bond Wiki

    License to Kill, released in 1989, features some downright cheesy gadgets, but they’re all still awesome. One such gadget is the Detonite-brand explosive toothpaste used by Timothy Dalton’s Bond. While the name is hardly subtle, and the gag is a bit silly, it’s still a cool idea. It makes sense that a plastic explosive could be stored in this form, and it makes for a good laugh. It’s hard to ask for more than that from a Bond gadget!

    Laser Camera

    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    Speaking of goofy gadgets from License to Kill, here’s the laser-firing Polaroid that nearly kills Bond on accident. In this scene, Pam Bouvier grabs what she thinks is a normal camera to snap a picture of Bond and Q. Thankfully Q identifies the deadly gadget in time and warns bond, and they avoid a painful death. You know, you’d think they’d know better than to just leave dangerous tech like this just laying around!

    Fingerprint-Reading Walther P99

    Photo Credit: BAMF Style

    Daniel Craig’s Bond has relatively few gadgets, as his films are grittier and more realistic. One of the few gadgets he does carry makes the list because of its col implementation. In the film, Bond is equipped with a Walther P99 that reads his palm and fingerprints. It remains locked in safety mode until it reads Bond’s hand, thus making it impossible for baddies to use his signature gun against him. This one is subtle, but it nods to Bond’s gadget-heavy past.

    Tazer Phone

    Photo Credit: Moviefone

    When Tomorrow Never Dies was released in 1997, smartphones were still a decade from becoming a reality. However, the high-tech gadget seen in this bond film nearly fits the bill. In the movie, its main function is as an electricity-slinging tazer. However, Bond uses it to summon his BMW, pick locks and it even reads his fingerprint. Some of the functionality the phone sports has even become a reality now!

    Which is our Favorite of the Coolest James Bond Gadgets? The Briefcase

    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    The trick briefcase seen in 1963’s From Russia With Love is easily our favorite of all Bond’s gadgets. It’s a spy’s best friend, loaded to the gills with neat tricks. Sporting everything from guns to knives to tear gas, the briefcase was indispensable to Bond. And to think he nearly dismissed it before Q urged him to bring it along! This gadget was one of the first to solidify Bond’s reliance on tech given to him by Q. It’s a good thing too, as that would go on to become one of his most memorable traits!

  • Brava Pure Light Oven Feature Roundup

    Brava Pure Light Oven Feature Roundup

    There’s nothing that can ruin a good vacation faster than a sunburn. It’s hard to believe just how much you can be cooked by little more than light. Well, what if you could turn the cooking power of light from your skin to your dinner? That’s the concept behind the Brava Pure Light Oven. Today, we’re taking a closer look at this innovative gadget and rounding up its unique features. Let’s get cooking!

    It’s Not Magic, But It Seems Like It

    Brava’s biggest draw is the light-powered cooking it brings to bear. Using specialized bulbs and sensors, the oven tracks what type of food is in it and adjusts accordingly. As such, when you put a type of food in and tell the oven how to cook it, it responds with light energy. The wavelength of the light emitted allows the oven to penetrate deeper or hit the outside of the food. Things like searing and frying can be done equally well, as the Brava uses physics to bypass the normal issues with cooking.

    Physics Make This Oven Smart

    You don’t even need to watch food with a Brava. You simply pop it into the over, tell it what you want and let it go. The smart oven will then send light energy directly into the food. Not into the air around the food, or into the pan underneath it, no. The Brava Pure Light Oven sends the energy directly into the food you’re cooking. That means that the food will be cooked in a fraction of the time it would normally take to cook it. You don’t have to wait for anything to heat up, and you’re not transferring energy. As such, the food will be cooked faster, automatically, and perfectly every time. That’s revolutionary.

    Brava Pure Light Oven Pricing and Release

    The Brava oven will be available this November for around $1,000. That might sound steep, and in fact you might be thinking about similar premium kitchen products that have flopped in recent memory. Juicero, for instance, the $700 juicer that sank like the Titanic, comes to mind. Brava’s makers, however, are confident that their oven will find its market. And why shouldn’t they be? Their oven can cook a meal for two in minutes for less power than it would take to preheat an oven. That’s no mean feat! Expect the name Brava to be on everyone’s lips come November.

  • New Samsung DRAM Chip Set to Overhaul Smartphones

    New Samsung DRAM Chip Set to Overhaul Smartphones

    Processors in smartphones are receiving countless upgrades these days. Industry mainstay Qualcomm is ahead of the curve, producing chips for Android phones that rival some laptops. Apple’s A11 Bionic processor is like lightning on a chip, performing tasks with blistering speed. The newest entry into this smartphone race is Samsung, the Korean juggernaut that makes the Galaxy line of phones. Testing on their 8GB LPDDR5 DRAM line of new chips has begun in earnest. This new DRAM chip is slated to ship in AI-powered 5G smartphones.

    Less Power Consumption

    The biggest takeaway from Samsung’s marketing of this new DRAM chip is the low power consumption. In general, they promise that the chip is overall more efficient and will help save battery life. More importantly, though, the “deep sleep mode” offered by the chip will help ensure that battery consumption is low when the phone isn’t being used. Samsung claims this will lead to an average of 30 percent longer battery life for phones with these new DRAM chips.

    Surprising Power

    The 8GB LPDDR5 DRAM also boasts some impressive specs. The data rate is much faster than standard chips are currently, transferring around 51GB in a second. That’s a bit hard to visualize, so here’s an example: that’s about 14 HD video files per second. Which is, frankly, nuts.

    The combination of that high amount of transfer speed and low consumption will be critical for AI phones. AI will likely require large amounts of through-put for data as it parses information. Similarly, the always-learning programs will benefit from lower consumption of power and longer battery lives. This means that Samsung’s newest chips will likely give it a competitive edge as personal phones with AI companions become the industry standard. Programs like Alexa, Siri and Bixby will likely evolve alongside new chips in this vein, taking advantage of their strengths. The future of phones is AI, and Samsung has set themselves up for success in this field.

  • Which is the Best Cooler for Summer 2018?

    Which is the Best Cooler for Summer 2018?

    It’s that time of year when cookouts and pool parties are common every weekend. If you’re looking to throw a party outside, make sure your cooler is able to withstand the heat! You’re probably wondering which the best cooler for your drinks is this summer. Well, look no farther: we’ve got a few of our favorites rounded up for you right here! Stay frosty!

    Igloo MaxCold Cooler

    The best budget choice on our list, the Igloo MaxCold only runs $45! It has all the features you want from a good cooler, including a top latch and a drain spout. While it’s not exactly a looker, with a relatively cheap appearance, it’s sturdy and dependable. You can sit on it, drag it around and toss it in the hatchback and it’ll do just fine. It also outperforms pretty much every cooler in its price range! The only ones that are better than this Igloo cost $300, so this is a great value!

    Orca Classic Cooler

    Orca’s entry on the list is a fantastic option for those who want a durable cooler. The Orca Classic is roto-molded, meaning the mold is rotated as its poured. This results in much higher durability and insulation, making it a high-quality pick. It sports slightly more capacity than the Yeti, but the two have the exact same price tag. However, the Yeti performs a bit better at keeping your drinks cold in direct sunlight. The Orca, however, has a lifetime warranty, while the Yeti’s is only 5 years.

    The Best Cooler for Summer: Yeti Tundra 45

    The most well-known name in drink insulation is Yeti, and for good reason. Yeti’s products always overperform, and if you live in especially hot areas, you know how good Yeti is. If you’re looking to head to the beach or throw a pool party, you’ll want to bring the Yeti Tundra 45. This cooler runs $300, the same as the Orca. However, the Yeti offers better insulation than the Orca at the expense of a bit of interior volume. If you’re looking for the very best cooler, though, this is it: it’s not even a competition. The Tundra blows away the competition, and still costs the same as the Orca. The choice between the two is pretty clear!

  • Locked or Unlocked Smartphone: Which is Right for You?

    Locked or Unlocked Smartphone: Which is Right for You?

    The history of phone carriers has been pretty cut-and-dry. If you want a new phone, you go through a carrier. Carriers dictate which phones you can and can’t get, and you usually have to lock into a contract with them to get the phone. Typically, once that contract is up, you can’t really do much with the phone, as it’s locked in with the old carrier. However, in recent years, a new trend in phones is emerging. Lately, it’s much more appealing to many customers to buy unlocked versions of the phones they want. An unlocked smartphone is one that doesn’t require you use a specific carrier and can opt to use whichever you want. What are some of the pros and cons of using an unlocked smartphone, and how you can get one!

    How to Get an Unlocked Smartphone

    One of the simplest ways to get an unlocked phone is just to go through the phone’s manufacturer. If you want an unlocked iPhone X, for instance, you can get one from Apple. The same goes for Google Pixel and Huawei, to name a few. Another way to get an unlocked phone would be to buy one from a distributor, like Amazon or Best Buy. After buying one, you’ll have to get a carrier SIM card to use it.  Typically, it costs the same to buy an unlocked phone as it does to buy a locked one. That said, resale on an unlocked phone is usually higher, as it can be used on any carrier.

    All four major carriers (AT&T, Spring, T-Mobile and Verizon) have “bring your own phone” plans, but not every phone works on every network. Check the carrier you’d like to use and make sure you can use the phone you want on it!

    Pros to Using an Unlocked Phone

    The pros for having an unlocked phone are numerous. The most obvious, of course, is that you can use them on any network. This means that you can swap your SIM card for another one on the fly when you travel, letting you avoid exorbitant international charges. Additionally, you can pick from a much wider selection of phones when you’re buying unlocked. You’re not stuck with what specific carriers have available, so you can get whatever phone you like!

    Cons to Unlocked Phones

    Typically, when you buy an unlocked phone, you pay full MSRP for it. Carrier often offer incentives for going through them and signing contracts. Financing is usually available for unlocked phones, but you still can usually find some considerable discounts when going for a locked phone. Make sure to do your research on the individual phone you’re looking at to make sure you get the best deal!

  • Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen “Andromeda” device might not become a reality after all. Leaked APIs and patents for a folding, phone-sized device have been swirling for some time. The project is said to have been headed by Terry Myerson during his time at Microsoft, but he departed the company back in March. The resulting reorganization in the company has likely shuffled the dual-screen smart device further back in the release schedule. However, that’s not the only challenge the rumored tech would be facing to see release. 

    Microsoft’s Smart Device Record 

    For one thing, Microsoft isn’t exactly a winner in smartphone world. While you can still get a Windows phone, the platform isn’t exactly a success story. The mobile platform has almost no third-party support, which has always been Microsoft’s Achilles heel. In order to make a hypothetical dual-screen pocket device attractive to customers, Microsoft would need to address the third-party issues they had with Windows phones.  

    Why Release it at All? 

    Another hurdle Andromeda would need to leap is a problem of purpose. Who exactly is the device for? What niche does it fill that isn’t covered by existing technology? Why does it sport two screens, and is it worth the unusual design? Smartphones are ubiquitous, and nearly every customer carries one. However, attempting to sell that customer another smart device that has less overall functionality has proven to be unpopular. Look no further than the recent decline in interest in tablets to see evidence of this. As such, a dual-screen smart device would have a hard time defining its niche in the crowded gadget market. 

    Any Hope for Andromeda? 

    Microsoft notably killed the dual-screened Courier concept in 2010 after lukewarm internal reception. Similarly, in 2014, the company shot down its prototypes for a Surface Mini, something between a tablet and a phablet within the Surface family. As such, you can see the trend of devices in this space not making it to a public release. That said, that doesn’t mean there’s absolutely no hope for the rumored device: recent reports hold that another small Surface-like device is on the release schedule for Microsoft. Only time will tell, but the prospects for the unusual hinged device seem grim. 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    If you’re a hardcore tech enthusiast, you definitely keep your eyes open for crowdfunding projects. There’s always some crazy idea being crowdfunded on one of the various funding sites. While some of them are stinkers, a ton of awesome gems go up every day! Today we’ve got a roundup of some of the coolest crowdfunded gadget ideas you can’t get your hands on… yet! 

    Limbo Top 

    A favorite toy of mine as a child was a gyro-top that I would spin, and watch go on for minutes. The inertia, momentum and tilt would always fascinate me. A young Cameron would have been delighted by this high-tech Limbo Top, a new crowdfunded gadget from Kickstarter. The Limbo Top uses a mechanical gyro to keep the toy spinning via a battery. It sports an internal computer that helps it maintain equilibrium, which is delightfully mundane and awesome at once. While a number of technological advances have been world-changing, this one is quaint. One could almost describe it as cute! And you know you want one now. 

    Giiro Posture Robot 

    Straddling the line between clever, cute and helpful, this robot aims to straighten your posture out. You can see just how cute it is in the feature image! The little robot comes with a mat and connects to Alexa. When your posture slips into an unhealthy one, the robot lets you know. It stands the way you do in live time, and its facial expressions inform you of how you’re doing. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to encourage better posture, the Giiro Posture Robot is it. Just get ready to be nagged by an adorable machine about how you’re standing.  

    NILS Wearable Charging Cable 

    If you’re the type of person that always needs to charge your phone, but never carrying a charger, here’s your newest accessory. The charging cord has an interesting locking mechanism that keeps the delicate electronics from getting damaged. A thick, braided cord makes for a durable and fashionable gadget! Don’t worry about having to pack a charger or keep up with where you stashed it. While there are other companies already selling cords like this, the NILS one will be worth the wait: it’s inexpensive, durable and stylish. 

    Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget: Beeline Moto 

    They say the journey matters more than the destination. Envision a GPS-like device that helps you learn the route, rather than following the directions of a computer. That’s the idea behind Beeline Moto, a bicycle and motorcycle attachment that’s a sort of “smart compass.” The compass points in the general direction of your destination, allowing you to choose your own path there. This lets you learn the route more naturally, functionally a guided exploration of a space.  

    The compass can, however, be set to give turn-by-turn directions for when you’re in a hurry. But, that’s no fun! It’s the exploration mode that promises a different GPS experience. Limitations breed creativity, and this gadget exemplifies that. Sometimes the fastest route isn’t the best! 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • Best Beer Gadgets for Your 4th of July Cookout!

    Best Beer Gadgets for Your 4th of July Cookout!

    We’ve been over the best grilling gadgets, but now let’s talk beer! No cookout is complete without some brews, so today we’ve got ten of the coolest beer gadgets for you! If you’re looking to show off to guests or give cool gifts, we’ve got it all! 

    Decapitator Bottle Opener 

    Photo Credit: JEBIGA 

    This magnetic bottle opener looks flashy and fancy when it’s taking the heads, I mean caps, off of bottles. One push, and boom! The cap comes right off. Great as a party trick and super handy to have around at your cookout. 

    Waytap

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Waytap is awesome, and your guests will love it. It’s a home tap system designed to make any beer you put in it taste like you just got it off the tap. If your friends like the taste of fresh-from-tap beer, this is a must-have! It looks great and makes your beer taste great!  

    Jacob Bromwell Copper Beer Stein

    Photo Credit: Wayfair 

    Nothing screams “beer aficionado” like a big, artisan copper stein. It’s guaranteed to last for life, which is great, considering just how gorgeous it is. If you’re looking to drink in style, this is the way to do it. The properties of copper also ensure a maximum-excellence drinking experience, so that’s a plus! 

    The Beer Bible

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    A great coffee table book and conversation starter. Full of great tips on beer, tasting notes and trivia, this little tome is sure to impress even the most diehard beer-lovers! If you’re a connoisseur of beer, this is a must-have book for your coffee table!  

    Beer Foamer

    Photo Credit: Menu Design Shop 

    If you’re the type that loves that pub-style top foam, this little gadget is for you! The Beer Foamer is made from shatter-resistant glass and has an electric whisk. Add your beer, whisk it up, and you’ve got delicious foam to top your beer! An authentic pub experience, right there for your cookout! Impress your friends and your taste buds! 

    Bottle Loft

     

    Photo Credit: STRONG LIKE BULL Magnets 

    These magnetic strips stick to the top of your fridge and save on fridge space. While you could hang bottles of soda from them, beer is the much more obvious candidate. If you’re a fan of super-strong magnets or saving space, the Bottle Loft is for you! It looks awesome in a fridge and it’s actually really useful. The non-beer drinkers in the house will be happy that your brews are taking up less space, too! 

    Pico Brew Pro

     

    Photo Credit: Beverage Factory 

    If you’ve ever dreamed of doing your own homebrew, this is for you! The Pico Brew is actually quite easy to use, and you’ll be brewing your own beer in no time! You’ll have 5 liters of great beer in about 2 hours. That’s a far cry from traditional homebrew kits, huh? If you’re looking to impress your guests with your own brews, this is the way to do it! 

    Biersafe 

    Photo Credit: The Awesomer 

    This one is just plain awesome. Resembling a time capsule, this non-powered beer cooler is set inside the ground. It looks like a high-tech, sci-fi contraption, but it just keeps your beers cold. If you need the coolest possible way to cool your beers, this is it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a hole to dig… 

    GrowlerWerks uKeg

    Photo Credit: Homebrew Academy 

    This charming, vintage style growler is pressurized to keep your beer sudsy and fresh for weeks! It looks like it’s straight out of a steampunk film, and its bright copper finish glows. If you want a great, stylish way to store your beer, this is it! It even has a tap built in for easy pouring when you’re ready to drink! What better way to store the homebrew you’ll be serving your guests? 

    Our Favorite Beer Gadget: Spin Chill

    Photo Credit: OddityMail 

    The Spin Chill is an automatic beer chiller, and our favorite beer gadget. While it isn’t as flashy or innovative as some other beer gadgets on this list, it’s still quite cool. Pun intended! Just attach a drink, set it in some ice and let it spin! It’ll have your drink ice cold and ready to drink in just one minute! It uses the spin to send the hot liquid in the center of the can out to the edges, transferring the heat to the ice. If you’re the type that can’t wait patiently for your beers to get cold, this is the way to go!