Category Archives: Gear Brain

Review: Riva Concert Takes On Sonos One

Posted on 13 November 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

In the world of $200 Alexa-enabled smart speakers, everyone is competing with the acknowledged audio quality and multi-room king of this category, the Sonos One. The latest – and perhaps most worthy – contender is the new Riva Audio Concert ($199, due … Continue reading →

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Review: Netgear Orbi Voice combines a router with a smart speaker

Posted on 6 November 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Merging two different devices into a single product is not usually a good idea. If something goes wrong with one — the entire item is useless. That’s something Netgear has avoided with the Orbi Voice, an Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speaker that … Continue reading →

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Apple iPhone XS Max Review: 7 reasons to buy the smartphone (and 3 reasons maybe not)

Posted on 27 September 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

No sense in beating about the bush. Apple’s new iPhone XS Max is the best smartphone the company that invented the modern smartphone has ever made. This assertion, by extension, arguably makes the Apple’s new iPhone XS Max the best … Continue reading →

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Nixplay Seed Review: A smart digital photo frame that’s quirky but effective

Posted on 24 September 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Nixplay is trying to boost the dumb digital photo frame by introducing a degree of intelligence and versatility into its offerings. The most intriguing are its Seed Wi-Fi Amazon Alexa-enabled models, which come in rectangular 8- and 10-inch editions ($139.99 … Continue reading →

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How wireless charging will power your smartphone through the air

Posted on 4 September 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Imagine never having to plug in your smartphone to recharge it. Imagine a world where you’re sitting in a restaurant, wandering through an airport, on a plane or at your desk — and your smartphone just automatically recharges. No more … Continue reading →

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Polk Command Bar review: An Alexa boost upgrades what you’re watching and hearing

Posted on 24 August 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Why buy two boxes when one will do? That’s the perfectly clever and logical solution the Polk Command Bar ($299.99) presents – it’s a soundbar plus wireless subwoofer with an Amazon Echo Dot built right inside. Read the rest of … Continue reading →

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TiVo Bolt: How to make your dumb TV smart

Posted on 27 July 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Modern TV viewing at home requires three components: access to broadcast programming such as that found on NBC, PBS and the like, plus cable content such as ESPN and HBO, streaming content such as Netflix — and then a DVR … Continue reading →

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D-Link 8000LH Mini HD Camera Review

Posted on 25 May 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Saving some cents makes sense in most shopping cases. But protecting life and property isn’t a place to budget. Which brings us to D-Link’s DCS-8000LH Mini HD WiFi Camera, available as a single unit for just $59.99 or as a … Continue reading →

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JBL Link 500: This Speaker Should Be Played Loud

Posted on 9 May 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Just before the seminal rockumentary The Last Waltz begins to unspool, you are famously advised that “This film should be played loud!” This is wise guidance you should follow when playing the JBL Link 500 Google Assistant speaker ($399.95). Read … Continue reading →

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Harman/Kardon Allure: Alluring Sound, Short on Features

Posted on 2 May 2018 by Stewart Wolpin

Let’s get right to the point: The Harman/Kardon Allure 360-degree Amazon Alexa-enabled speaker ($249.95) is alluring, both aesthetically and aurally. It’s got an unusual Star Trekprop-like smoky opaque plastic topped design with an interior tube that lights up when sound … Continue reading →

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