Todd Bernhard

Author Details

Todd Bernhard's picture

Author Details

Todd Bernhard

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.

I am always on the lookout for ways to my iPhone's boost battery life. The folks at Eggtronic sent me their Wireless Power Popper - Ring ($39.99) to try. This portable iPhone charger has a lot to offer. First, it's lightweight, soft, and compact. That's important because Eggtronic designed it to attach the back of your Qi-enabled smartphone. Second, the wireless charging bank comes with your choice of grip: the Power Ring, a 360-degree rotatable ring, or the PopSocket-style Power Popper; you just have to decide which you prefer when you order. You can also choose from assorted colors for the fabric exterior.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to try ReliefHeat smart heat wrap ($99). I had just spent about eight hours flying to Vegas, so my back was sore and this was just what the doctor ordered. In fact, I might have given ReliefHeat an iPhone Life Best of CES 2020 award, but the company didn't have a formal booth at CES, just an exhibit at one of the evening events for the press. Still, it was a great example of smartphone technology that meets the everyday needs of consumers.

I have been a fan of Catalyst's iPhone cases for some time, in large part because the company made iPhones waterproof long before Apple attempted to. I was able to try the Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro ($29.99) when I visited the company's booth at CES. They've done it again, this time for AirPods Pro. Keep in mind that the AirPods Pro case is considered water resistant but not waterproof. This is an important distinction that you don't want to find out the hard way, given how expensive those earbuds are.

You may have tried PopSockets phone grips and stands, but the folks at Ohsnap think they have build a better mousetrap. There are indeed advantages to the Ohsnap Phone Grip (starting at $19), which Ohsnap gave me to try. First, it's slim and gets even slimmer by sliding out so you can wirelessly charge your smartphone when the Ohsnap is removed. It's also magnetic so you can easily mount your phone on refrigerators or other metal (not aluminum) surfaces.

I use a MacBook Pro at work and a different one at home, and I use multiple monitors and other accessories in both places, so I'm always looking for the ideal docking hub. Kanex sent me the iAdapt 7-in-1 Multiport USB-C Hub + Card Reader ($79.95) to try. For users like me, it's a great addition. I specify users like me, because it does require a MacBook Pro with two adjacent USB-C ports. It simply won't fit on other Macbooks. Indeed it plugs in to those two slots and essentially become a part of the MacBook Pro.

For two decades, I've been adding smart features to my home, including a video doorbell, smart light switches, Alexa devices and more. But for most of that time, I have relied on X-10 motion-sensing floodlights and analog cameras for security. But now that changes, because ANNKE sent me a Floodlight Cam ($135.99) to try and, while not perfect, it has many benefits over the older technology.

My family has three Apple Watches and four iPhones, so anytime I can find a device that charges both, I'm happy. The folks at The Grommet sent me the Time Traveler iPhone & Apple Watch Battery Bank​ ($79.95) to try and it does that and more. The Time Traveler has a built-in charging pad for an Apple Watch. You don't need to provide your own so that's a cost and convenience bonus. There is also a built-in Lightning cable that tucks away under the unit, so you don't have to bring a Lightning cable either!

If you need help sleeping, either from a sound machine or a cooling fan, the folks at iHome have a new dual-purpose device that could help. They sent me a review unit of their new iHome Air ($70) to try. It makes sense, as you probably have limited space on your nightstand to house multiple devices, so why not combine a couple of gadgets that work best close to your pillow?

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