iPad mini with Retina display review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Handhelds, Product Reviews,

I've been using the iPad mini with Retina display for a couple of weeks now, and after using it as my primary tablet device during that time (setting aside my iPad Air) I think it's time to report back with my findings as it pertains to Apple's second-generation miniature iPad.

Last year, Apple introduced the iPad mini to the world at the same time as the fourth-generation standard-sized iPad. Essentially, Apple took the iPad 2 and forked it into two different products--the Retina display-packing full-sized iPad, and the iPad mini, which was simply an iPad 2 that had been reduced in size. Many (me included) expected that the next iPad mini would remain a year behind as far as internal chips and technologies go, leaving the cutting edge stuff with the larger iPad.

We were wrong.

Instead, Apple released two iPad that are, from a technological standpoint, virtually identical. You got the slimmed down iPad Air (see our iPad Air review), and the iPad mini with Retina display. Both pack the same number of pixels. Both sport the new Apple A7 processor (1.4GHz for the iPad Air, 1.3GHz for the iPad mini.) Same with the M7 co-processor, and the 10-hour battery life. So, the question as it pertains to an iPad purchase becomes, is it more important to you to have a larger display, or a more compact form factor? I've already given you my iPad Air review, now join me after the jump for my review of the iPad mini with Retina display.

Click to continue reading iPad mini with Retina display review

Unboxing Live 128: Exclusive! White Xbox One “I Made This” edition

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Microsoft, Video Games, Videocasts,

We give you an exclusive look at the white Xbox One! Microsoft built about 3,000 of these unique "I Made This" edition of the Xbox One, and gave them out to employees who worked on the Xbox One prior to launch as a thank you gift. In the box is the white Xbox One, black Kinect, black standard controller, Day One edition achievement, and all the other stuff you'd expect. In addition, Microsoft gave a custom white "I Made This" controller for the Xbox One as well, which features a soft-touch feel rather than the solid matte black plastic feel of the controller.

Of course, we already gave you a look at the standard black Xbox One console as well.

You can pick up the Xbox One now from the following retailers:

• Amazon
• The Microsoft Store

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 128: Exclusive! White Xbox One “I Made This” edition

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: SOL REPUBLIC Jax earbuds

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Music, Women, Men, Teens, Under $100, Under $250, Under $50, Under $500,

The next featured in Gear Live’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide is the SOL REPUBLIC Jax headphones. Available in multiple colors, the SOL REPUBLIC Jax were designed to put great style and sound within reach. They feature a wide, tangle-free cable with an inline microphone for answering calls. You can choose between a 1-button or 3-button remote as well. It's compatible with Apple, Android, and Windows Phone devices. You can pick up the SOL REPUBLIC Jax earbuds now for $39.99.

Click to continue reading 2013 Holiday Gift Guide: SOL REPUBLIC Jax earbuds

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Unboxing Live 127: Microsoft Xbox One

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Microsoft, Video Games, Videocasts,

A few days ago, Microsoft launched the Xbox One, dropping its next-gen hotness on the world. We're deep in the review process right now, but didn't wanna leave you hanging, so we're featuring the Xbox One in our newest episode of Unboxing Live. We give you a look at the console itself, as well as everything else that comes in the package. Also, stay tuned, because we've got an extra-special Xbox One exclusive coming later today as well.

You can pick up the Xbox One now from the following retailers:

• Amazon
• The Microsoft Store

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 127: Microsoft Xbox One

SOL Republic Tracks HD review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Features, Product Reviews, Videos,

These days, headphones are a large part of urban fashion, and SOL Republic is hoping to grab a piece of that with its Tracks HD on-ears. The Tracks HD is build to be tough, unique, eye-catching, and great-sounding. They feature the upgraded V10 Sound Engines--a step up from the V8 Engines on the regular Tracks model. They can also be found for an amazing deal on Amazon currently. Are they worth your time, money, and attention? Join us after the break for our full SOL Republic Tracks HD review for the answer as we break it down for you.

Click to continue reading SOL Republic Tracks HD review

Unboxing Live 126: HTC One Mini

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Features, Videocasts, Wearables,

We open up the HTC One Mini in this episode - the smaller version of one of our favorite Android devices, the HTC One. I give you a look at the differences between the HTC One and the One Mini, including its smaller 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core SnapDragon 400 processor, and build quality.

You can pick up the HTC One Mini for a penny on Amazon.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 126: HTC One Mini

MacBook Pro (late 2013) review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews,

A couple of weeks ago, Apple introduced the world to the iPad Air, but during the same event, the new 2013 MacBook Pro lineup was also revealed, going on sale that same afternoon. These new MacBook Pros would ship with OS X 10.9 Mavericks, the new desktop operating system that was also released that same day, completely free of charge. The 2013 MacBook Pro line sees some significant updates--things like a thinner body, Retina display, PCIe storage, and Haswell processors. So, how do all these changes come together at the end of the day, and is the end result enough for you to give it your attention? Does a thinner, lighter, cheaper, and more powerful package add up to more than the sum of its parts? We answer all this and more in our 13-inch MacBook Pro (late 2013) review.

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Xbox One Smartglass for iOS now available

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Games, New Apps, Free Apps,

Planning on picking up a Microsoft Xbox One this weekend? If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you'll likely wanna grab the new, free Xbox One Smartglass app. The app is similar to the one that's been available for the Xbox 360--it'll allow you to control a bunch of functions on your Xbox One right from your iOS device.

Xbox One SmartGlass is the perfect companion app for your Xbox One, both in your living room and on the go. Connect and control your Xbox One. Stay connected with the games and gamers you like. And add a new dimension to your console entertainment with the mobile device you already own.

In the living room:

• Navigate your Xbox One console using your device’s keyboard and touch
• Control your media and set top box with the SmartGlass remote control
• Browse the web on your TV using your mobile device
• Enhance what you are watching or playing with SmartGlass companions
• Increase performance with faster connections and reliability

In the living room and on the go:

• Search, browse, and pin content to play on your Xbox One console
• Track achievements, get game help, message friends, and watch game clips

You can download Xbox One Smartglass now.

Unboxing Live 123: SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Features, Videocasts, Wearables,

We give you a look at SOL REPUBLIC's first over-ear headphone, the Master Tracks, in this episode of Unboxing Live. The Master Tracks include:

• X3 Sound Engines with SonicSoft speaker pads
• Audio cable with built-in three-button remote control
• Sound Track headband
• Slim-fit carrying case

That's all in addition to the great warranty on the headband itself. Check out this episode to see how they look visually, and then head on over to Gear Live for our full SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks review.

You can pick up the SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks on Amazon.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 123: SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks

2013 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway: Rdio streaming music subscription

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Music, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video, Women, Men, Techies, Teens, Under $100, Under $25, Under $250, Under $50, Under $500,

They say music is the universal language, and as music lovers ourselves, we think it's one of the best gifts that you can give, and we're putting it in our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. Rather than grabbing an iTunes gift card, or worse, a random CD from the bargain bin, we recommend hitting your loves ones up with Rdio gift subscriptions. Why? It allows the user unlimited access to the entire Rdio music streaming catalog. That means on-demand access to millions of tracks from the web, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, and even your Sonos system. Rdio costs $9.99 per month for full access. We love it--check out Gear Live on Rdio!

We are giving away three 3-month subscriptions to Rdio to our readers as well! To enter, all you need to do is:

• Follow Gear Live on Twitter
• Tweet the following message: "Hey @GearLive - hook me up with that free @Rdio subscription! http://gear.lv/SEjTdi" (Click here to tweet this now!)

Good luck to all entrants, and be sure to look through the rest of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for more giveaways!

Read More | Rdio