Reviews

If you love hiking in the mountains, camping and fishing at a favorite lake, or just going for a walk in the woods, you likely already know that time in nature does a world of good for both physical and mental health. Researchers at the University of East Anglia performed a meta-analysis of more than 140 studies completed in 20 countries that objectively confirms these subjective impressions. Exposure to wild spaces reduces the production of stress hormones, lowers pulse rate and blood pressure, decreases sleep disturbances, and increases happiness, well-being, and even creativity. For many people, spending time in the great outdoors, whether for an afternoon or weeks at a time, means a break from technology. But there are so many practical benefits of having your phone with you! So before you escape to the woods to eat roots and berries and forget human speech, think about adding some of this essential camping gear and equipment to your packing list. While you're at it, check out our collection of travel, hiking, plant identification, and bird apps.

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!

The wireless headset market is saturated, which is why I find it so interesting to see how established, expert audio manufacturers compete in such a crowded space. Some emphasize features over performance while others strive for an impeccable sonic experience with minimal features. Then there are companies like Sennheiser that strive to balance a fine line between these aspects. Read on to find out if their latest high definition headset is able to achieve this objective.

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?

I recently reviewed the SmartCine Complete Universal Smartphone Kit. It's a handheld mount that holds a smartphone in place for use in videography. I was intrigued to see how the "complete" kit could get better when Movo sent me its SmartCine Wireless All-in-One Video Kit ($149.95) to try. It turns out there was quite a bit more that could be added. First, Movo added a wireless lavalier microphone option. When combined with an added telephoto lens, this makes it easy to record a distant subject while keeping them in the picture. The kit has a convenient headphone jack as well to check audio levels. Make sure you have your own Lightning to 3.5mm audio converter to accept the output of the wireless receiver.

I have been a fan of Pitaka's iPhone cases and car charger for some time. The company has a unique design combining aramid fiber (which looks like carbon fiber) and metal and magnets to not only look good but also to keep your phone and accessories connected, in place, and fully charged. But if you want an extra battery pack to carry with you, Pitaka also has the MagEZ Juice ($89.99), which Pitaka sent me to try.

If you don't like either of the Apple Pencils that Apple offers, the folks at Adonit have a wide range of Apple Pencil alternatives. They even have a chart on their website to help you decide which one is right for you, with eleven models from $10 to $100. I previously wrote about their Adonit Note, and they sent me the upgraded Note Plus Stylus ($69.99) to try and it answers several of the issues I had. For starters, it uses USB-C instead of microUSB to recharge. This is important because, since my previous review, Apple has moved to standardize on USB-C for the iPad Pro. The fewer cables I have to carry around, the better, and microUSB has always been a pain because it's not reversible.

RapidX has come up with a clever way to distinguish its MyPort portable charger ($79.99). The company sent me a review unit of its latest battery pack and it stands out, literally, because it works as a stand or a horizontal Qi charging pad or via a USB-A port. The battery pack charges by just being placed in the included dock, which charges via USB-C. There is an included USB-A to USB-C cable. This is a nice touch that helps deliver fast wireless charging at 10 watts from the 10,000 mAh battery.

The HomeKit-enabled Eve product catalog continues to rapidly expand into a variety of home automation hardware, with the most recent being a smart Wi-Fi water sensor alarm that detects standing water. If you have ever experienced a leaking washing machine, dishwasher or overflowing sump pump, the Eve Water Guard ($79.95) is an ideal water leak detector to add to your Apple HomeKit-powered environment.

The Rocketbook Everlast notebook is a smart notebook that's conventional in look and feel, but is built for the digital age. The Everlast makes it easy to digitize and organize all your notes in an instant. Writing is the same as with any other notebook—with one main exception. Adding a bit of water erases all your notes so you can start from scratch, making it 100 percent reusable (yay for the environment).

My daily desktop wireless headphones are the Space 1 from MU6 (say it out loud and it sounds like "Musics") for several reasons. Most importantly, they deliver great sound and the over-ear design helps block out office noise. Plus, the leather earcups and padding are comfortable for long-term use. So I was very interested in checking out the Space 2 (starting at $139) when I visited the MU6 booth at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Longtime readers of my reviews know that I like the juxtaposition of traditional materials like wood and leather with the latest in technology. A great subscriber to that philosophy is Nomad, and the company has numerous technology products featuring their high-end Horween leather. Nomad sent me its newest example, the Passport Wallet (79.95). The higher priced option includes a slim Tile Tracker as described below.

I have used an Apple Pencil long enough to lose the cap a few times and even temporarily lose the pencil itself as it rolled off my desk. Logitech has an alternative that addresses those issues and more. The company sent me a review unit of the Crayon ($69.99) to try. Originally, a $50 option was marketed for educators, but it's now easily found for that lower price for anyone on Amazon and Best Buy.

Shortly before he passed away, Steve Jobs told his biographer, Walter Isaacson, that he had finally “cracked” how to make television smarter and easier. Eight years later, Apple has finally released Apple TV Plus. So, did Apple make good on Steve's prediction? In this article, I will assess the quality of the user interface, original content, pricing, and hardware compatibility of Apple TV Plus, but, as is true with most Apple products, the sum is greater than the parts. Apple’s ecosystem is what makes Apple TV Plus so appealing compared to the competition.

Every year, iPhone Life's team of editors searches the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for the best new technology for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users. We saw all kinds of amazing tech (driverless cars! Smart fridges!) and sometimes puzzling products (a robot that brings you toilet paper? A hands-free carry-on that tries but sometimes fails to follow you through the airport?). The following Best of CES 2020 Awards go to the most forward-thinking and useful iOS gear we found that's coming to market this year.

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