Forget Bluetooth and AirPlay, Favi Audio+ uses Set To Connect

We have some great items this week that are simplicity and functionality at it’s finest. I am going to start with the Favi audio+ for the wireless speaker! Simple enough, but I expect Favi to have a trick up their sleeve, as they are the same company that turned my dumb TV into a smart TV with only a dongle. Well they did not disappoint as this speaker doubles as a stand and there is no hassle to sync as Favi uses their Set To Connect technology. Not much more to say about the features, simple and sweet, so let's see how this desk companion fares.

Out go the box this cradle/speaker has a soft rubber texture no slip feet, and a lip at the bottom to fold a phone upright and securely whether sporting a case or going commando. The Set To Connect technology is what vexed me most as I did not need to have Bluetooth turned on in order for the speaker to pick up and amplify what I was listening to, pull the phone away and sound goes back through the phone, it's magic. The audio+ is perfect for Face Time and videoconference, freeing up hands for trying to put together last minute reports or playing solitaire. Like I said about the sound, it amplifies, making that is coming out of the phone louder and not necessarily better. 

Favi's audio+ speaker works great for what it is but don't expect to get the same quality at higher volumes that are seen from Bluetooth speakers. We all know that the iPhone speakers suck, so getting more sound to hear from my desktop without having the volume cranked up on the phone is nice. This speaker can also be used for to actually hear whatever video you are trying to watch from Netflix to YouTube, but only in portrait orientation as the Set To Connect does not pick up the sound in landscape viewing. The Favi audio+ Set To Connect speaker is available now in black or white for $49.99.

Turn your iPhone into an action camera with Optrix's PhotoProX

I have gotten another rugged case but this time the case is for the photographer. Optrix has recently released the PhotoProX, which is a waterproof and drop proof case that includes four interchangeable lenses. To provide a wide range of shots for any location or occasion, Optrix has included macro, telephoto, fisheye and flat lenses for whatever the shot may call for. Literally, with a bevy of mounts available, you can use the PhotoProX case if the time calls to turn the iPhone into an action camera. To make sure that your phone is safe, additional included contents consists of additional O-rings, leash, and a clamshell case for the lenses to prevent scratches. 

Unlike the Outdoor Tech and the Ballistic waterproof cases I have previously reviewed, the Optrix case is by far the easiest to get my phone into and safe from the elements. There is a sled, or low profile case to surround my phone when not in the PhotoProX case and all you have to do is drop the phone into the case, burp it, and lock shut. If you don't burp it the screen does not lie flat against the phone which can be quite a nuisance. When locked in the waterproof case, I still had access to the ports at the bottom, the lenses were fast and easy to swap, it took a handful of shots to see which were capable of what, and now the case and lenses are with me at all times. 

The Optrix PhotoProX does a great job at turning a smartphone into an action camera and comes at a fraction of the price. While in the case, it takes up more pocket space, or you can keep your phone in the sled and the PhotoProX case in nearby laptop bag, but the beautiful shots and videos are worth it. If I could change anything it would be to include lens caps, as I was a bit worried about scratching while in my pocket and I did not want to go lensless as it opened the phone up to dust. Also be aware that this case does not come with any of the mounts, so each of those would need to be purchased separately. The Optrix PhotoProX is available now for owners of the iPhone 5,5S,5C, and fifth gen iPod Touch for the price of $149.95.

Mashbuttons Reviews a few new retro iPhone cases | Review

 We here have received iPhone cases by the truckload it would seem over the years.  Yes, cases, come in many sizes, shapes, designs, textures, and features.  However, this would be the first time we've come across an iPhone case that their feature is interactive.

Well, kind of interactive.  These are the new "Retro Game" cases from PureGear with the little mini game on the back.  Perfect for when your games on the iPhone aren't quite entertaining enough.  As far as cases go, they're pretty standard fare.  They don't add much bulk, are made from a hard shell plastic, and fit and iPhone 5 snuggly, offering up minor protection, but not full-blown military grade shock or shatter proofing.  These are, as they say, pretty run-of-the mill cases.  What sets them apart, is when you flip over the case.  Rather than a cool design, or a tactile fabric, these include a maze, or even one with a small pinball game in it.
It's reminiscent of games you may find in a cracker jack box, or perhaps take home from a childs birthday party goodie bag.  It's really more gimmicky, and one could even say ironic that one may want a case like this.  Perhaps some would cling to the nostalgia, or irony they would provide.

Again, cases come in all colors and patterns, and fabrics, etc, so we shouldn't really look at anything beyond the maze game as anything more than just a unique design, and with a myriad of cases out there - I kinda like these for their simpleness.

The collection comes in three varieties, with apt names:  There's the "Amazing" which is of course, the aforementioned Maze game.  The "Groovy" which requires you to navigate three silver marbles into the center of the maze to win.  And the "Undecided" which is a simple version of a magic 8-ball.  Pull back the plunger to send the marble up and let it decide your day-to-day decisions.  Each available for an MSRP of $29.99.

Power All Your Gear with Griffins PowerDock 5 | Review

Cool devices need power.  They derive this power from batteries.  Batteries drain quickly.  You have to re-charge your batteries.  Lather, Rinse, and Repeat.  This elementary logic simply highlights the fact that we're slaves to our batteries, and so we must make quick work of keeping their insatiable thirsts for electric juice by charging them.  And most of us (Us, meaning the tech geek, nerd, modern gamer, etc) have more than one device, so Griffin created the PowerDock 5.  No, this is not the 5th generation of said device, but the 5 signals how many devices can charge from the station.

The PowerDock 5 is, as the name suggests, a docking station that has 5 full-powered USB ports (read: 10 Watt Power through all 5 ports).  Like a surge protector for up to 5 USB chargers.  Though the packaging may suggest this is only compatible with iPads or iPhones, quite the contrary, you can use any USB charger.  I have my iPad, iPhone, Kindle, headset charger and PS Vita all connected.  It should be noted, however, that some devices tested, don't necessarily work, according to Griffin. 

Workmanship on the device isn't bad, but the choice of plastics feel a little cheap.  This doesn't take away from the overall usefulness of it, however.  I'm also comparing it to the Griffin TWENTY Airplay Amp, that has that Apple-like plastic feeling.

The only improvement I'd suggest would be a better cable management system.  What ends up happening is you double cross the cables to help hide them, but they just get messy, and there's no clean, secure way of keeping it tidy.  The images on their site suggest it to be much easier, but I just couldn't get them to stay clean and tidy.  A small gripe for helping to manage your array of devices that need charging.

Mashbuttons.com would definitely recommend the PowerDock 5 for your charging needs.

The PowerDock 5 retails for $99, however they're currently out of stock on their online store, instead try Amazon. 

eleMount kickstarter is stylish mount for iPhone/iPad

Hot on the heels of Bracketron’s NanoTek Stand review, I have received word of eleMount. Elemount is a universal mount that is designed with CNC machined aluminum and built to mount your phone safely to your desk, car, tripod and more. Made to fit with the apple styling by use of aluminum, the eleMount is also made for function as it allows for full 365 degree viewing angles by ball and socket joint, portability without leaving marks or residue behind, and a ¼” threading to mount to tripods and other camera accessories. The eleMount Kickstarter can be found here, priced at $59 for early bird backers and as you can see,  they are well past meeting their goal with plenty of time to go.

Bracketron's NanoTek Stand holds tight and doesn't let go

Bracketron has provided me with another phone mount from their product line, the NanoTek Stand, and not like the Mi-T grip we previously reviewed, this one is for your desk. This desktop mount uses NanoTek mounting technology to securely hold my phone to the mount that just so happens to grip the desk as well and the conduit between the two is an aircraft grade aluminum stand in silver or black. The stand is built to hold mobile devices in either vertical or horizontal positions, so lets see if it ever loses it’s grip.

The NanoTek Stand is a great accessory for most any desktop as I love cases with a kickstand for this very reason, but most of them are an eyesore, so rather than using a kickstand case, you simply touch your phone to this little stand and it is not going anywhere. I have seen similar, much cheaper, versions of this type of stand, as corporate promotional swag, but none of them had an incorporated cable management that is built to hold most any charging cable and most certainly were not built with the stylish looking aircraft grade aluminum. I have been using for about a week now and there are two items in which I wished were changed in production, the first would be the sharp edges, if they were rounded  it wouldn’t feel so sharp. This is also the case for the cable management system, the sharp edges make me worry the next time I pull on the cable for slack, it will be the time I strip the cable from the rubber coating.  

In the end, this is a great stand as is holds the same style and overall appearance of apple’s aluminum build and never once disappointed when I placed my phone against it. A nice added plus to this stand is that it holds most anything to the NanoTek material as long as it is a smooth non-porous surface. Should the surface get dirty over time, all you need to do in order to clean the surface is simply use a piece of tape on the surface to restore suction to when it was fresh out of the box. Lastly, the NanoTek stand is strong enough to hold the iPad Mini, which makes streaming shows from the desktop easy without using my computer’s resources. The NanoTek stand is available now for the price of $29.95.

Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box | iOS review

So we recently got our hands on another game, this time of the hand-held variety.  Developed by Alaware Entertainment and available for pretty much ALL iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, etc), Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box is part 'point 'n click', part hidden object game, and all mystery!

Upon starting the game up for the first time, (after my phone was replaced), I couldn't help but think of some old-school PC games (turns out, this WAS released on the PC about a year ago), that rely on a single frame of art, with interactive "hot-spots" that you find to progress the story along.  Of course there's really nothing wrong with that.  I have said before, and I still maintain, the iPhone is really a great platform for many games, and slow titles that are easy to pick up and play, without requiring some major thumb dexterity is my cup of tea on the small screen.

The story begins as you get a phone call from your grandfather who explains, quite abruptly, that he has just shot someone.  Of course you rush right over to help him out...thus beginning a series of hidden object games, that upon completing, you're rewarded an object you can later use.  Continue this series of events, and get all the objects that you logically need to move along.

After the first act, you're transported to a cargo ship, as your Grandfather begins to tell his tale, you take on the role of a stowaway on board the ship.  Again, play a few hidden object puzzles, find all the objects, interact in just the right way, and soon enough, you'll uncover the rest of the story.  One full of secrets, and mysteries 'round ever turn!

All in all, the title didn't blow me away, but it did prove to be an excellent time-waster, and one where you could play a little at a time.  No need to go through a fancy save system, you just pick up right where you last played, which was welcome relief and actually served as a catalyst to play more.  I can't say you should run out and get this title right now, but if you're looking for this type of game, or if hidden object puzzles are your bag, then I highly recommend it.

Mashbuttons gives Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box a 7 out of 10. 

EA announces iPad games today

In keeping with the EA-meets-iphone/ipad stories today, here's another one for you.  EA announces 5 new games made with the unique iPad in mind.  You won't even have you iPad until tomorrow, but by golly you can get these games today!

SCRABBLE

Tetris

Need for Speed SHIFT

Mirror's Edge

Command & Conquer Red Alert

EA throws an iPhone Sale!!!

Just in time for the release of the iPad, EA is preemptively having themselves a sale on 25 of their iPhone titles for a limited time.  Keep in mind, that if you're planning on picking up an iPad tomorrow, you will be able to play all of these games on it; and look at you for saving a pretty penny while doing it.  Kudos!

There are a few stand-out titles, such as Monopoly ($2.99), Wolfenstein RPG ($0.99), and Mass Effect Galaxy ($0.99).  See the full list of titles and prices, after the break.  Sale runs through April 5th.

Dexter's been slashed | Game Deals

For the next week, (Oct 12th) Mark Ecko Entertainment has lowered the price on it's acclaimed iPhone title, "Dexter the Game" to only $3.99.  That's $2 off the regular price. 

We haven't had a chance to play this one yet, but never want to pass up an opportunity to inform our readers of available game deals.  Get it while it's hot!

Dexter has a new trailer to sink your syringe into | iPhone

It's true, rooting for the bad guy always has a certain allure to it, but when the bad-guy is a charming, blood splatter analyst for the Miami PD by day, and an enforcer of justice, stalking and murdering the guilty, by night, it's tough to balance that act. Dexter Morgan deftly walks the fine line of morality there. GREAT television know; but not sure how that will translate to an iPhone game.

Yes, an iPhone game.

It's strange they are tailoring this title touting the touch capabilities of the iPhone platform, but one has to wonder if we could be missing out on a killer-app (pun intended) on any of the other current gen platforms. But I am hoping they can prove me wrong. I love the show, and I'll take the game for a spin.

Here's the latest trailer for the upcoming title that debut at Comic-Con

Everywhere I look, there is Wolfenstein

Aside from all of the Wolfenstein coverage for the iPhone last week at GDC 09 and the news today regarding new screens and video footage for the cross platform FPS, it is safe to say I am excited for this release.

Being that Wolfenstein was probably one of the first PC games along with being the first shooter I had ever played, I am excited with hopes of good things for this game, even though I missed out on Return to Castle Wolfenstein. The video posted below from IGN teases of what this new entry to the classic franchise has to offer.



The screens look very dark while still focusing on Nazi killing and what appears and sounds like super powers, i.e. the veil ability available to the player.

Download Crystal Defenders for an XBLA two-fer

Since today is XBLA Wednesday, we have come to expect a new game to add to our libraries. The best part of today's release, is it's a twofer! We've already posted on the rainbow-loving unicorn, ball-dropping awesomeness that is Peggle, earlier today, but does that mean we should neglect the latest from Square Enix?

From Xbox Live:

Crystal Defenders is a strategy game in which players deploy jobs from FINAL FANTASY Tactics A2 to fend off encroaching enemy hordes. Players can enjoy over 300 stages of action in one of three different game versions. W1will teach game basics. W2 introduces Power Crystals which allow for deeper, more detailed strategies. The complex maps of W3 will challenge even the most seasoned players.

While we've seen a number of these "build-tower/defend base from waves of attackers" games, a lot of them are of the generic variety. It's nice to see a developer come in and give us a solid strategy title that's easy to pick up and play, but challenging as well. More importantly, wrap that up in a familiar setting with familiar characters.

Like Peggle before it, Crystal Defenders will only set you back 800 points...so a good way to use up a 1600 point card today people. By the way, the title is also available for iPhone 3G/iPod touch for $7.99 through Apple's App Store - if you have to have this title on-the-go.

Queue it up here, or here