Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!
An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.
By Todd Bernhard
I recently reviewed a number of iPhone accessories from Moshi, so I was surprised when the company sent me another item just a few days later. It looks like Moshi was working on something that improves upon the items I just reviewed. The Porto Q 5K Portable Battery with Built-in Wireless Charger ($84.95) has a nice fabric and rubber surface like their previous wireless Qi charger, but this has some welcome enhancements.
At the 2018 CES show, I spent some time chatting with the fine folks at Energrid. I'm interested in accessibility because I've designed apps for and used by blind and low-vision users. Energrid also develops products that help the visually impaired; and in fact, everybody can benefit from the VS150X Power Bank ($75).
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Moshi sent me their new Otto Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($39.95) to review. I've used products from them in the past and they are always beautiful and make use of nice fabrics. This latest item is just as nice, but it also has added functionality I haven't seen in many competing offerings.
By Todd Bernhard
It's time to start thinking about the holidays! This year, instead of boring tree lights or holiday lights that just turn on or off, check out the Smart LED String Lights (starting at $103.96) from Twinkly. They work on your tree, or anywhere, and can display colorful lights and moving patterns thanks to an easy to use smartphone app.
By Todd Bernhard
I love my dog, but getting her to sit still for a photo is tricky, let alone for a selfie with both of us in the picture. There's just too much to coordinate. The folks at Model Citizen had the same idea, but they did something about it! They created the Woofie ($9.50). It's not a selfie-stick, but rather a snap-on attachment for your phone.The idea is to insert a dog treat in the top of the device so it gets your dog's attention. And it works!
By Todd Bernhard
Summer is here and it's time for partying outdoors. I can't think of a better iPhone accessory to do that with then the TikiTunes Wireless Speaker and Ambient Light ($39.99) from Limitless Innovations. It's a fun, attractive wireless Bluetooth speaker that can be paired with a second TikiTunes speaker to provide true stereo sound. At $40, it's reasonable to get two for that purpose.
By Todd Bernhard
My day-to-day case lately has been an Urban Armor Gear case that I picked up at CES 2018 and I'm quite happy with it. Recently, I got to try UAG's Monarch iPhone X Case ($59.95). This model carries on UAG's tradition of using heavy-duty materials and a rigid skeleton design, and goes even further with solid metal screws for support in the corners, which are the most likely points of impact when an iPhone is dropped. Indeed, the case meets 2X Military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6.) The 10-year warranty is likely to outlast your iPhone!
By Todd Bernhard
I love the Amazon Alexa ecosystem and I have an Alexa-compatible device in just about every room. The affordability of the Echo Dot makes this practical, unlike Apple's HomePod. I can have ten Echo Dots for about the price of one HomePod. But the Echo Dot doesn't have great sound. The iAVS1 ($49.99) from iHome fixes this and adds some very welcome features.
I grew up with the Gameboy and handheld LCD games before that. So I was excited to see and try the Gamers Console For iPhone ($79.95, on sale for $24.95) from Wanle.
Solo isn't just the name of a swashbucking scoundrel from the Star Wars movie of the same name. It's the name of a New-York-City-based bag manufacturer whose products you've probably seen in Staples or Best Buy. But you might not see the Kilbourn Leather Backpack ($229.99) in person, as it is only available in limited quantities from select retailers, or online at www.solo-ny.com.
