The battery life on my HTC One is phenomenal and I can usually go an entire 10 hour day without needing to charge my battery – since I’ve been traveling alot more lately and the One is becoming my main phone it’s nice to have the option to double my battery life while on the go without having to pack an extra charger or cord.

Mophie recently announced the Mophie Juice Pack for HTC One. The juice pack is a 2500mAh protective battery case made for the HTC One that will get you up to 100% extra battery with the flip of a switch so you’ll never have to search for an outlet while you’re out and about again. It doesn’t appear to add much bulk to the HTC One and comes in both Silver and Black to match the phone. Black is currently available for $99.95 and the Silver will be available soon.

Press Release

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 30, 2013)— mophie, the company trailblazing innovation in the portable power category, today announced the expansion of its world-renowned juice pack line with the introduction of the juice pack for HTC One™. Customers using HTC’s newest flagship smartphone with a mophie juice pack can rock, talk, surf, and send for twice as long with the simple flip of a switch, receiving the benefits of double the battery life on one charge. The ultra-thin and lightweight design of the juice pack also complements the smartphone’s zero-gap unibody design, delivering full protection and power in a sleek profile. The juice pack for HTC One fortifies mophie’s offerings for the Android community, joining solutions for the Samsung Galaxy S III and a universal line of external rechargeable battery packs that help keep users powered up wherever they go.

“This new juice pack will provide an enhanced user experience to HTC One owners and introduce them to the benefits of having double the battery power available to them on-demand,” said Ross Howe, vice president of marketing. “mophie has supported Android products with our line of universal external batteries and the positive response from the community encourages our team to continue engineering unique solutions to address the needs of these users.”

The juice pack for HTC One is available in either black or silver for $99.95 at mophie.com and at select retailers nationwide. Features of the case include:

•   Up to 100% Extra Power—Packing a 2500mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, the juice pack for HTC One will double the battery life of the smartphone on a single charge
•   Custom Design for the HTC One—The sleek case provides complete device protection without sacrificing its “zero-gap unibody design”
•   Charge On Demand—Simple toggle switch allows for standby and charge mode with a flip of a switch
•   Sync With Ease—Pass-through USB allows users to simultaneously charge and sync the smartphone and juice pack
•   At-a-Glance Battery Status—Vertical, four-light LED status indicator displays the amount of charge available and blinks to indicate levels of power when case is charging

For more information about mophie and its full suite of products, please visit www.mophie.com.

About mophie
mophie is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of accessories that let consumers do more with their portable devices. From the action sports enthusiast to the business professional, student and outdoorsman, mophie products fit into the lives of those who rely on smartphones and tablets to stay connected. mophie products are available in more than 100 countries, and can be purchased in Apple stores worldwide, AT&T, Best Buy, Verizon, Sprint, and on www.mophie.com. Follow mophie on Twitter, Facebook or on Instagram.

I like to jump on stuff when it first comes out, love being one of the first to try something out and then sharing what I’ve learned with others. When Spotify came out in the USA, I had a private invite to use the service before it officially launched, and by time that trial ended I just had to give Spotify my money to continue using it. Since then I’ve put quite a few people on to the service (some right here on the G Style staff lol), and also got some people use to the idea of paying the $9.99 monthly fee. Spotify is really a great service and I’ve use it immensely since I’ve signed up. Spotify is a daily constant in my life, but Spotify isn’t invincible. Spotify just like Pandora before it which I use to use is vulnerable to being bested by another service and this is where Google All Access comes into the picture.

With my current setup I use Spotify daily going to and from work, and I used Google Music when I wanted to listen to music I personally uploaded to the service. I have my stored MP3 there, I also use Google Music when I want to listen to music that may be locally stored on my device. Earlier versions of Spotify app had a tab/area of the app where I could listen to music that was local. In the versions today you can still listen to your local music from within the app, but you will have to do some jumping through hoops to make it happen, as there is no represented local area. So because of this again I would fall back to Google Music. So there are a few area that while I enjoy my current listening experience with Spotify, created a few issues as well (don’t get me started on the no repeat one track option missing! Come on!).

While Spotify is a great service, some of it minor failings has created an opportunity for Google All Access to take its place. I like to think I’m a minimalist , so if I can use one app for everything this is what I want to do. Google All Access gives me the opportunity to use just one app for my music needs. When Google Music first launched it gave me a place to store all the MP3s I had obtained into the cloud so I didn’t have to warn about failing hard drives or laptops. Google Music gave me a place to storage all my uploaded music and then stream it to my any computer with internet access, mobile phone, or tablet. Now with All Access Google is giving me the option to stream music like I do on Spotify in the same place that I have my uploaded music as well. Google is allowing me to search and immediately stream any music I can find, purchase it if I want the actual MP3, and play my already uploaded music all without leaving one app. This is minimal and I for one like it!

And then we must talk price point. Granted both services will cost you $9.99, but paying isn’t an issue. I like to tell people who I’ve put onto Spotify in the past, think of it like one NYC lunch a month you’re not having, and there you’ve got your $9.99 fee for the month. Now I said both services cost $9.99, so what would All Access have any edge there? Because of their promo price! You see as I mentioned earlier I like to jump onto there early when it first comes out and then share it with others. So I’m rewarded for being an early adopter and will get to pay only $7.99 for the service, saving my month from the $9.99 Spotify. And you can too, you just need to sign up before June 30th. So now only will I be getting the convenience of having only one app to use for my streaming and uploaded music, but I get it for a cheaper price than what I’ve been paying now. AND the Google Music app has a repeat one track only option!

But I will mention a reason why you might now want to go All Access and stay with Spotify. While this isn’t as important to me since I just want my music, if you are a social media type person Google All Access is quite there on that level. You can share with Google+ but that is about it. So if you care about sharing you music with Twitter/Facebook/Etc, Google All Access isn’t for you. Again this is not something I really need, so I think I’m 98% sure I’m going to switch by time the weekend is over.

Have you used All Access yet? What do you think, give me some of your pros and cons!

Looking for portable, wireless bluetooth headphones that are affordable but sound expensive? Check out the Kinovo’s sleek BTH240 headphones available for $29.99. The cans claim long battery life, crystal clear conversations and outstanding audio quality. Do they live up to the claim? We just received a pair for review in the G Style office, check back with us next week for our full review. In the meantime – peep the Press Release below:

Press Release

REDMOND, Wash. – May 16, 2013 – Kinivo, producer of quality mobile device accessories, unveils their newest addition, the BTH240 Bluetooth-connected, wireless headphones. This compact second generation style is the newly updated model of Kinivo’s top selling on-ear wireless headphones that deliver exceptional battery life, hands-free calling via a built-in noise cancelling microphone and outstanding audio quality – all housed in a stylishly slim, foldable design.

Kinivo’s sleek BTH240 headphones operate using an integrated rechargeable battery, which provides up to 10 hours of continuous active audio or 200 hours when on standby mode. In addition to extended battery life, Kinivo’s BTH240 offers a convenient audio experience by automatically pausing music when a user receives an incoming call, as well as crystal-clear conversations through the built-in noise cancelling microphone. To recharge Kinivo’s BTH240, simply plug the headphones into the included micro-USB charging cable and connect to your PC or wall outlet.

“The BTH240 headphones were designed for a luxurious user experience with everyday functionality,” says Kinivo VP of Operations Neeraj Srivastava. “Longer battery life, pristine audio, subtle LED button brightness and a built-in noise cancelling microphone are thoughtful product features incorporated into the headphone’s upgrade that we’re excited to offer Kinivo fans.”

Like all Kinivo products, the BTH240 were crafted with thoughtful design elements, like the ear piece’s wrap around style, keeping the audio device securely fastened with the headphone’s thin band behind the head and comfortable for long-term wear. Perfect for traveling, staying connected while around the office, or simply those looking for quality Bluetooth-connected headphones without breaking the bank, Kinivo’s BTH240 suits virtually any age or lifestyle. Compatible with any Bluetooth-capable device, the BTH240 seamlessly transfers from going for a run while listening to music on your iPhone 5, to catching up on your favorite audio book on your Android tablet.

Kinivo’s BTH240 headphones are now available for $29.99 on Amazon.com and Kinivo.com. To connect with Kinivo, visit Facebook or Twitter.

Dating online right now is something everyone at some point is doing it, but sites like Match.com may be getting stale right now. While building an app to go with your existing desktop site helps, the in thing now is to focus on mobile first. Instagram has done it, Vine is doing it, and it seems to be working out. So why not take that and apply to the dating seen.

This is what new dating app Swoon is doing and you might want to check it out. Swoon is debuting a new app for both Android and iOS, and will be celebrating that launch right here in the NYC, giving potential swooners the chance to test out their skills. Check out the app and check the press release below for more information!

New Dating App, Swoon, Debuts iOS App & Celebrates the SwoonLife at Official NYC Launch Party

Swoon, a new dating app that allows users to connect with cool people nearby, has bridged the gap between smartphone platforms and debuted an iOS app, making it the first app of its kind to be available to both Android and iPhone users. In celebration of the iOS launch, its time raise a glass and celebrate the SwoonLife at the Official NYC Launch Party. On Tuesday, May 21st, Swooners will have the chance to test their swooning skills at Haru Gramercy over lite bites and cocktails. Hopefully, Swooners will meet the man or woman of their dreams!

Who: NYC’s 20-somethings now have a reason to celebrate the dating world the SwoonLife way, whether you are looking to meet new people, or are single and ready to mingle. Guests will also have the chance to meet and hang out with the Swoon Men, VIP Guests, and Dating Experts!

Swooners can also enter for exclusive giveaways and prizes, like an Android phone, and many others!

How: Upon arrival, guests are asked to download the app as admission into the happy hours. Swoon is the mobile app for finding cool people nearby. It’s completely anonymous until there’s a mutual match. Swoon is available on Android and iOS. Join the conversation and tweet us at the event using #SwoonUpNYC.

For more information, visit www.swoonapp.com.

When:
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Haru Gramercy, 220 Park Ave South (Corner of E 18th St)
6:30pm-8:30pm
Map & Directions

Disclosure:  Thanks SwoonApp for sponsoring this post.  I was selected for this opportunity and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.  #SwoonApp #SwoonUpNYC

Yesterday kicked off Google I / 2013, and the remainder of the week will be Google sessions for developers. For us consumers the keynote gives a peek of announcement of what new stuff will be coming. So while the keynote this year was 3 hours long, I watched every minute of it.

Now there was announcement of a new version of Android, no new hardware to be released. Yes there was the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition, but that price point was appealing and it’s still just plastic (not if it was the HTC One then maybe lol). Even it cross platform messaging app which people had codenamed babble, only brought us Hangouts. I’m still on the fence about Hangouts, so use it some more before I pass judgment.

I did however come away from this keynote excited about a few things. First of then being Google All Access. No mind you right now I’m #TeamSpotify and loving it. But here is how my music situation is currently set up. I using Spotify as primary, but then use Google Music for all of my personal music I uploaded myself. I also use it for music Spotify doesn’t have that I purchase. So for a complete music experience I have to use two apps. Google All Access would give me one unified experience of my uploaded music and my streaming music. I’ve been using All Access since last night and I like the UI for it. It also gives me something I’ve wanted from Spotify for forever, which is Repeat One.

So with Google All Access I get streaming music which has a lot of the tracks Spotify, my own personal collection of uploaded music, playlists, offline option (which was the main reason I started paying for the service to begin with), repeat one, and for cheaper than Spotify. I currently pay $9.99 for Spotify service. All Access gives it to me (for signing up before June) $7.99! It is hard not to find a reason not to switch over. I’m a minimalist so this gives me a path to that.

Once we get away from the music, another service I’m was excited about was Google Maps. I use maps regularly, and very excited about the new version. In harmony to this is the new addition to Google search or Google Now. I like that it has added public transit to it. Even though I review cars, my normal isn’t always to drive. Being able to have Google Now show me transit commute is very useful, I love it!

There were a few other things like what they have done with hot wording in Chrome and search there, so looking forward to that as well. Again while there wasn’t anything I would consider major the improvements I did see were exciting. Long Live Google!

Style

PLYR 1 coming in either Black or White starts off with having a really unique look to them. Instead of just a plain ole solid color bland design, the PLYR 1 comes with a very cool graphic design across the headset. Then there is the design of the headset itself, which looks split in to piece right above the ear cup. And wrapping up the look is the SkullCandy logo on the outside of the ear cup which is small, and on the inside of the ear cup, but larger but not overbearing in anyway. All in all SkullCandy did a good job with the look of these, threw a splash of graphic design to offset the solid color and didn’t go logo happy all over the headset. Leaving you with something you would enjoy wearing of showing us when friends come to plan with you.

Sound & Tech

The SkullyCandy PLYR 1 is SkullCandy’s wireless headset, the flagship of the line and they pack in a bunch of cool features. Besides it being wireless of course, the PLYR 1 has an proprietary Supreme Sound technology which serves up some big bass and precision highs. It also has Dolby 7.1 surround sound. The PLYR 1′s headset stand has a built-in wireless transmitter which sends out 7.1 surround sound for your Xbox 360, PS3, or PC.

Also there are the Equilizer modes. With them get the best audio whether you are playing a game, listening to music, or watching a movie. These modes are Bass Mode, Supreme Mode, and Precision mode. I of course am partial to Bass mode as I love my bass! Once thing also noticed like on the Astro Gaming’s A50 headset, is the way you can mute the mic. Simply flip it up and you have muted it. To return to back simply flip it down. Simple and to the point.

Experience & Wrap Up

Using the PLYR 1s left me with no regrets. Setup was fairly easy and I was ready to game in no time. They also sit pretty comfortable on your head and even after extended use I felt no discomfort. When it came to battery power, I was able to get about roughly 8 hours between some games, music, and even watched a movie. As far as charging, you can get a good decent amount of power back after a good couple hours, but I would suggest doing them like you would your cell phone, just plug it up at night so you are good for the next day.

Now the SkullyCandy PLYR 1 is on sale night at Best Buy and if you are looking to get a pair, this is where you will have to go for the next two week, as Best Buy has lock in a exclusive period with them. You can get them at Best Buy right now for $179.99. This price isn’t bad at all for a very good pair of wireless gaming headset. So if you are looking for something that is still stylish, delivers on the sound/feature quality, and without paying an arm and leg…The PLYR 1s are for you.

Sleekon is probably a name you haven’t really heard of before, but that’s only because they are still relatively new here in the states. A few months back, they released their first iPhone 5 cases, the Luminous Case which glowed in the dark. Now, they’ve released their second line of cases for the iPhone 5 called the Photochromatic Case. As you can guess from the name, it needs light to activate its special feature, but not just any kind of light. It needs sunlight, specifically UV rays to activate the secondary graphic hidden within.

Design and Usage

The Sleekon Photochromatic case is a basic hard shell snap on case very similar to how their Luminous Case was. It’s made from impact resistant polycarbonate and is a slim, 0.8mm thick. There are 8 available designs, though the case is only available in a base white shell. Sleekon sent over their “Whale Dream” and “Elephant Secret” designs for my evaluation as I liked these two designs the best.

First up, let me explain how these cases function. When not in direct sunlight, there is a graphic on the back of the case that just appears to be an ordinary graphic. It appears this way under regular lighting and in the dark. However, once you expose it to UV lighting, specifically that of sunlight, you will begin to see a secondary graphic appear which is augmented to the first. You can literally see it change right before your eyes. What’s neat is that you don’t even need to be in direct sunlight. It will begin to change even if you are standing in the shade, just as long as there is some UV exposure.

It’s a very neat effect and one that makes the Photocromatic Case stand out. In fact, I would say that I like this case even more than the Luminous Case, but that’s also because I’m outdoors more than I am someplace dark.

Let’s talk about fit and finish. The Sleekon Photochromatic Case fits like a glove and snaps onto the iPhone 5 with ease. It stays on securely, but is also quite easy to remove if need be. Like most snap on cases, this one will protect the full rear of the iPhone 5 along with the corners and sides. What it doesn’t protect at the top and bottom edges of the phone or the area right above the volume and mute switch. It does however feature a lay-flat design that raised the screen up and placed face down. All buttons and ports are easy to access and the case itself adds almost zero bulk to the overall size of the iPhone 5.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to iPhone 5 cases, you need something that stands out and regular snap on cases just aren’t going to cut it anymore. With that said, Sleekon has done something truly impressive here with their photochromatic technology. I like the fact that the graphic doesn’t change in regular light and only activates in the sun. The effect is also very dramatic and very cool to look at when it changes. It’s definitely a talking point when people see it.

Each Sleekon Photochromatic Case for the iPhone 5 retails for $29 and can be had in 8 different designs. You can find them here on Sleekon’s online store.

Pricing and Availability
Today, business customers can work directly with their B2B sales rep to order their BlackBerry Q10. Pricing for business customers begins at $119.99 with qualifying plans.

The BlackBerry Q10 is expected to be available for T-Mobile consumer customers in June for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0% APR O.A.C. The smartphone will be available in T-Mobile retail stores, via www.T-Mobile.com and through select dealers and national retail stores. Consumer customers interested in the Q10 can register at http://explore.t-mobile.com/blackberry-q10.

Device Features
The new smartphone combines features BlackBerry is known for – the BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard and security – with a 3.1” touch screen, the power of the BlackBerry 10 platform and 4G LTE and HD Voice capabilities for a premium customer experience. BlackBerry® Hub helps manage personal and professional conversations, BBM™ messages, social media updates, or notifications with the ability to “peek” into the Hub from anywhere. To learn more about features and capabilities, visit the BlackBerry Q10 media kit.

T-Mobile Simple Choice Plans
For consumer and small business customers, T-Mobile’s Simple Choice or Simple Choice for Business Plans allow customers to design their plan based on the number of lines and amount of high-speed data required. There are no caps and no overages, and no restrictive annual service contracts. To provide added value for small business customers, T-Mobile’s Business Extras bundle allows customers with capable devices to access business-focused capabilities or solutions, like 24/7 remote IT support and paper-to-mobile forms conversion, valued at more than $400 for free. More information about T-Mobile’s Simple Choice and Simple Choice for Business plans can be found at http://explore.t-mobile.com/whyt-mobile and http://business.t-mobile.com/small-business. More information about T-Mobile’s Business Extras can also be found at http://business.t-mobile.com/small-business.

Design and Usage

Snugg sent me their traditional black Leather Case, though it is available in a wide range of different colors to suit your particular style choice. The case itself is made from leather while the interior of the case is lined with premium nubuk fibers. Nubuk is kind of like suede but is created from the outer side of leather hide instead of the inside. It is very soft, has a velvet-like feel, and is very strong. It lines the entire inside of the case so it will scratch up your iPad Mini.

Like most folio cases, there is a flap on the inside of the case that you open up so you can slip your iPad Mini into it. Unlike other cases however, the flap on the Snugg has Velcro attached to it which means once your iPad is in, you can securely close the flap back in place and it will not slip open over time. The “pocket” where the iPAd Mini resides has all the necessary openings for all ports, buttons, and speakers. There is even a camera hole on the rear of the case so you don’t need to take your iPad out to take photos.

Now, there are a few notable extra features on the Snugg Leather case that most other folio cases lack. For starters, the inside cover has a hand strap built in that allows you to securely hold your iPad Mini. It uses an elastic strap so it sits flat when not in use. It’s a great feature for those with slippery hands. Another feature not usually seen is the inclusion of a little loop that allows you to hold a stylus. Not many folios have this so it’s great when you find one that does. Last but not least, you can use the Snugg as a stand for watching videos by propping the cover up and securing it on the little flap on the back of the case.

Features

Final Thoughts

I really like the Snugg Leather Case. It’s one of the better folio type cases I’ve used that has every feature you’d want in a case. It’s protective, made of premium feeling materials, can work with the iPad Mini’s auto sleep/wake feature, and it can be used as a stand for viewing videos. As a bonus, it also includes a hand area where you can store a stylus and a hand strap for securely holding your device.

There really isn’t anything not to like about the case. It’s very well made, affordable, and good looking. Snugg sells their case exclusively on Amazon for $24.99 and you can find it here. It’s also available in several different colors as well.

Shop Links

• Black – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Black)
• Baby Blue – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Baby Blue)
• Electric Blue – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Electric Blue)
• Orange – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Orange)
• Pink – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Pink)
• Red – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Red)
• White – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (White)
• Distressed Brown – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (‘Distressed’ Brown)
• Blue Denim – Snugg iPad Mini Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Blue Denim)
• Digital Camo – Snugg iPad Mini Case – Leather Case Cover and Flip Stand (Digital Camo)

As we kick off the 2013 year of cool cars, this is the first we check out from the Chrysler brand. The 200S might get overshadowed by the more popular 300 model, but the 200S definitely deserves a look if you are in the market an entry-level luxury mid-size sedan. But how does this stack up on the G Style meter of hotness, let walk through and see how the 200S ranks.

Style

The Chrysler 200S is a attractive car, but unfortunately suffers from having a non-distinctive look to it when you start to do a walk around the car. On the front end, this is where the 200S really has its most attractive point as the front looks great from the lights to the center grill. When you venture to the side of the car nothing really stays out, no defining lines or features that sets it apart from any other sedan on the market. If you looked at the car on the side, you wouldn’t even know if was a Chrysler 200S. The same repeats from the back of the car as well.

While I don’t think the car is unattractive, it just overall didn’t stand out. And when I look for style in a car I want something that is going to stand out. When it have a distinctive look, people take notice and want to check it out because it doesn’t look like anything else. This gives appeal and when done right has style.

Tech

On the tech side the Chrysler 200S checks off all the bullet points on the clipboard. Good audio from the speakers (but wish it has Better speakers than Boston Audio), Bluetooth for making calls and streaming music, satellite radio, and of course navigation. There were no stay out tech feature, but with what was there, it all worked smoothly. And this is what you want. You want your tech to just work and be easy to setup. I was able to connect phone via Bluetooth quickly and easily. This is always a plus as some systems I’ve used can be a pain in the a$$!

Experience

Driving the Chrysler 200S was a pleasure! The car has some great acceleration first off. I love a car that had good pick as no one want to gradually pick up speed when you need to get up to speed quickly. You want that power the minute you slam that pedal down, the Chrysler 200S has that down.

The general ride is smooth even with all the bumps and potholes of the New York City streets. Inside the car again the tech performed well. I was especially pleased with how my Bluetooth connection stayed stable. With some cars I experience Bluetooth drop outs and too slow re connection time when you turn the car off and back on. This can be very annoying when he want that connection. The 200S however was both quick on reconnection and keeping a stable connection period.

Wrap Up

If you are looking for a entry level luxury mid – size sedan, the Chrysler 200S isn’t a bad place to start off your look. It has great functioning tech, great acceleration, and a smooth ride even in the pothole capital New York City. But at the same time if style is high on your list of important things and you want a car that makes a statement as well, you might want to do some more shopping around.

The Chrysler 200S will run you about $27,400+ as the one we had was configured. Not a bad price actually, but personally I would look for something else. I like to make statements and want my car to do so as well!

I’ve used several Think Tank Photo products in the past and found them to be quite durable, well made, and very professional looking with something for every class of photographer. However, much of their gear usually catered to those with larger DSLR cameras. Well, Think Tank Photo has taken notice of the growing trend in smaller mirrorless system cameras and have come up with their new line of mirrorless camera bags called, the Mirrorless Movers.

The Mirrorless Movers are smaller than the Retrospective bags which I looked at in the past. These are made to specifically hold mirrorless cameras and their much smaller accessories. There are 4-styles available. The Mirrorless Mover 5, Mirrorless Mover 10, Mirrorless Mover 20, and the Mirrorless Mover 30i.

Each of these bags feature the following:

• Flip-Top lid with magnetic closure provides quick access to gear
• Removable shoulder strap
• Rear slot for your belt or a Think Tank belt
• Easily accessible front zippered pocket for accessories
• Side pockets (stretchable/gusseted)
• Internal mesh pocket on the lid for battery or other accessories
• Grab handle on the lid
• Poly Ballistic fabric ensures durability
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

The only difference between them is the sizing and how much gear you intend to hold. The larger 30i even includes enough space to hold an iPad.

Look for the entire Mirrorless Movers line over that Think Tank Photo here with prices starting at $34.75.

Olympus today announced the anticipated new PEN flagship, the PEN E-P5. There have been tons of leaks over the past few weeks on this camera so it’s great to finally get an official announcement. For those unfamiliar with the PEN line, this is Olympus’s main Micro Four Thirds line of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. They are hugely popular with both pros and novices, I even own one myself.

The PEN E-P line is considered the top of the line model from Olympus so it’s no surprise that the new PEN E-P5 would take some cues from the OM-D E-M5, one of the most popular cameras last year. All that tech gets an improvement in the PEN E-P5 with 16-Megapixel TruePic VI Live MOS sensor, Super Spot AF, and an improved 5-Axis Image Stabilization system. It even now features the worlds-first fastest mechanical shutter at 1/8000th of a second for a compact camera.

Every year, Olympus improves on the PEN and it looks like this year, we’re again getting the best PEN ever made with the PEN E-P5. Look for it this May in 3 different colors and either as body only or as a kit. Check out the press release below for more detailed information.

Press Release

I won’t do a full on review as the concept is pretty simple, plug you device in and charge on the go. I will however talk about some differences I notice with the Peak 6000 and now the HUB 6000. First out the gate and always the first thing I notice is the style. The HUB 6000 looks very different from the Peak. In my opinion due to its size it is still a brick, but this time around that brick has some shape to it. The Peak had more of your traditional brick look. Flat, square-ish look and thick. Also the cables had a mix of gray and neon green on either side of the device.

With the HUB 6000, it is still thick (actually side by side thicker then the Peak 6000) but this time around less of a square-ish look and more of a shape I can’t even really describe. I would say like a mini vaulting horse in silver and gray. This time around the entire unit is gray/silver with the cables coming in gray as well. No neon green present on this one. Also instead of the cables being places on both sides, all of the cables release from top/underside of the charger.

Speaking of cables, the HUB 6000 has cablle for MicroUSB and the new iPhone Lighting connector. So for those of you who recently moved to an iPhone 5 or another device with Lighting, there will be no need to use an extra adapter on this one. The HUB 6000 lets you charge not only MicroUSB and Lighting, but if you have a device beyond those, just bring the USB cable for it and you can charge as well. The HUB likes to think of itself as the “Swiss Army Knife of portable power devices”, and with its combination of charging abilities it certainly is.

There are a few things I missing from the Peak 6000 that isn’t present in the HUB. For example, on the Peak 6000 you could check the power levels of the battery by pressing a button on the top of the device. This is still possible on the HUB, but gone is the voice element. The Peak 6000 would audibly tell you how much remaining power you had and when it was actively charging a device. This was a very cool feature when you wanted to know how much power was left without actually looking at the charger. The HUB 6000 does let you know but it is more visual. When you connect a device to it, it will blink green for a second letting know you it is in operation. When you disconnect it blinks red for a moment.

All in all the myCharge HUB 6000 is a nice evolutionary upgrade from the previous models. It looks better, gets the job done in the same fashion as the old, and adds in support for the newer iPhone 5 (us Android people don’t have that issue lol). The HUB 6000 will run you $119.99, but it also comes in a 3000 model for $89.99 and a beefy 9000 model for $149.99. You can check out more information at www.mycharge.com, and can purchase the 3000 and 6000 models now in stores. If you would like to order online, they should be available in the coming weeks!

One of my favorite tech categories right now is that of the Bluetooth portable speaker. I find them to be quite useful and convenient especially since many of them come in such small packages, yet that doesn’t diminish the sound quality. I’ve had the pleasure of testing out several of them already and while many of them feature the same features, the one factor that ends up separating them is still price. With that said, the newest entry in the ever growing Bluetooth speaker category is that of the new Divoom Onbeat-200.

The Divoom Onbeat-200 is a 3-inch rechargeable Bluetooth speaker that is available in 4 different colors – black, red, blue, and silver. Audio is pushed through dual 50mm drivers with a passive bass radiator. It has a built in litium-ion battery good for 8-hours of continuous play. The Onbeat-200 can also function as a speakerphone and has built in play controls. If you go through the checklist of things you look for in a Bluetooth speaker, this one pretty much checks them all off.

Obviously, audio quality will be a huge factor so whether or not the $79.99 price tag will be worth it for the Onbeat-200 remains to be seen. hopefully we’ll get a chance to look at one and let you know.

Press Release

SHENZEN, China – May 7, 2013 – Divoom, a leading provider of innovative audio products with superior aesthetic design and audio performance, announces the availability of the Onbeat-200 Bluetooth speaker. Divoom’s 3-inch rechargeable Onbeat-200 is the ideal audio solution at home, in the office or on-the-go. The compact and portable speaker features Bluetooth capabilities as well as a stunning sound quality commonly found with a much larger audio system. Onbeat-200 is available in an array of colors – (black, red, blue or silver)- to match anyone’s personal style. Divoom’s Onbeat-200 Bluetooth Speaker is available now for $79.99.

The Onbeat-200 is lightweight and portable at only 3-inchs, making it perfect for anyone that needs to have their music or a speakerphone while on the go. To ensure the ultimate in sound quality, the Divoom Onbeat-200 features precision-tuned 50 mm drivers and a passive bass radiator, producing amazingly clear and crisp audio at any volume. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery also allows users to stream digital media from any Bluetooth device, providing up to 8 hours of listening enjoyment. Onbeat-200 uses the latest in technology to increase the battery’s voltage from 3.7v to 5v. In this way it can easily produce an 8W output in such a compact speaker.

Equipped with a built in microphone, the Onbeat-200 makes handsfree phone conversations and multiple listener conference calls or video chats simple and convenient. Utilizing a Bluetooth phone connection, the user can answer phone calls and end a conversation with the mere push of a button. Further, the Bluetooth audio input allows users to play music from Bluetooth devices, while the auxiliary input provides additional connectivity.

“We recognize the changing needs of the sophisticated consumer. Today it’s not enough to simply be the next coolest speaker,” says Ivy, VP of Marketing. ”That’s why we introduced the Onbeat-200, to take care of all your entertainment needs in one compact and portable package.”

Onbeat-200 Features include:

• Built-in microphone allows handsfree calls, conference calls and video chats
• Enhance movie & video streaming on mobile/Bluetooth devices
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for Bluetooth playback of 4 hours/ talk time up to 8 hours
• Class D amplifier with 2 x 2 inch (50mm) full range speaker drivers
• Passive Bass Radiator for powerful bass audio output
• Bluetooth and auxiliary input options
• Available in black, red, blue and silver
• Price:  $79.99

Divoom Onbeat-200 is currently available for $79.99 USD at www.divoom.com

If you read my review on the DODOcase Classic for the iPad Mini, then you know that it is one of my most favorite cases I’ve used to far on the iPad Mini. It’s sleek, good looking, and does a very good job of protecting it. However, there may be some of you out there who don’t like the tiny bit of added thickness and bulk that comes with using a DODOcase. Well DODOcase has a solution for you and it’s called the DODOcase HARDcover Classic. If you’ve never heard of their Hardcover case before, it’s basically the same thing as the DODOcase Classic except that it lacks the inner bamboo tray. This allows DODOcase to make the HARDcover a bit smaller, thinner, and lighter making it much smaller than the standard DODOCase.

Design and Usage

Upon first glance, the DODOcase HARDcover looks exactly like the standard DODOcase, but when you get them next to each other, you realize that the HARDcover is a bit thinner, shorter, and not as wide. Because it does not have the inner bamboo tray, it can be made smaller to only have to accommodate the size of the iPad Mini when placed in it.

Since there is no longer a tray to hold the iPad Mini in place, you instead have to use a series of super strong adhesive patches to hold it in place. These stick to the back of your iPad Mini and keeps it firmly in place on the back inside cover. You have to make sure you align it well however so that it lines up with the rear camera hole as well as the magnets located on the front cover which I’ll get to a bit later. Once on, it’ll stay there until you decide you want to remove it. You can and you’ll be happy to note that the sticky adhesive is reusable. All you have to do is clean it with water and it’ll become super sticky again.

From this point, it functions pretty much like the regular DODOcase. Close the cover and the iPad will go to sleep. Open the cover and it will wake. You can use the Cover as a stand for viewing video as well as fold it all the way back to create a slight typing angle. The rear even has a camera hole so you can use your iPad to take photos. As with the regular DODOcase. there is also an elastic strap built in that keeps the DODOcase HARDcase secured when the cover is closed.

Again, the HARDcover uses the same type of materials as the regular DODOcase. Each HARDcover is made from black Moroccan cloth and constructed using traditional bookbinding techniques. It has a unique texture to it but still feels very smooth to the touch and while offering a good amount of grip. The inside of the cover is lined with some kind of colored cloth that you can get in either red, blue, or charcoal. The one I received was red and I really love how it adds a splash of color to the other wise neutral tones. They even add a really nice DODOcase sticker on the inside for authenticity.

Final Thoughts

If you have an iPad Mini and want the look for a DODOcase but don’t quite want the added bulk that comes with it, your next obvious choice would be the HARDcase. It’s everything the regular DODOcase is, but in a smaller, sleeker profile. However, the one drawback comes from not having the inner bamboo tray so it doesn’t quite have as much protection as the regular DODOcase.

If however you can live without that, the DODOcase HARDcover is a really nice case that will help disguise and protect your iPad Mini. It does offer decent protection because the HARDcover is pretty rigid, just not as much as the regular DODOcase. Again, it does do pretty much everything the regular case does so either way, you should be happy with what it can provide and how it looks.

The HARDcover Classic is available at the DODOcase website here. It retails for $34.95 and is available in three different colors – red, blue, and charcoal.