Trevor Daugherty

Bluetooth earbuds that connect to our iOS devices are not a new trend. We’ve seen them in varying degrees of design and success over the last few years. Doppler Labs is aiming to take that design and help you hear in a whole new way. No, not hear your music, but the sounds around you.

The Here Active Listening System is designed to allow users to customize the sounds of the world around them. Filter out a crying baby? No problem. Bump up the bass at that concert? Taken care of with the swipe of a finger. But it’s the design that has really caught Kickstarter’s attention…
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Update (6/4 3:30pm): Apple has now officially selected 2Do as the new Free App of the Week.

The very popular 2Do task management universal iOS app has gone free for the first time since it was originally released over three years ago. It regularly goes for $15 and has not been under $9.99 in over a year. With 18,000+ reviewers rating it 4.5/5 stars since its release, this app is certainly worth a download.

2Do takes a “completely different approach” to task management. Its flat and clean interface removes any distractions so users can focus on the work at hand. Most notably, 2Do has been updated with Apple Watch support and works with many popular services like Dropbox, Apple’s Reminders and Siri. It has a companion Mac app that has received a 50% price drop, down to $24.99, coinciding with the iOS version going free.

Full description below.
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In case you hadn’t heard, USB-C is here to stay, with the news coming this week that Intel is backing it with the next generation of Thunderbolt. It has been a busy few weeks for storage announcements with SanDisk detailing new USB-C storage options and internal solid-state drives. Now Kingston is getting in on the trend. With the new MacBook inventory increasing at some retailers, the push for USB C accessories is on. We have the full details below on Kingston’s new flash drives.
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One of the struggles of working away from an office or desk is finding a suitable option for a mouse. There are plenty of wireless solutions out there but they often struggle to meet the needs of professionals for a variety of reasons.

Today, Logitech has announced a new portable wireless mouse that takes its design cues from the popular Master MX. Head below for full details on the new Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mouse. 
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The beauty of Kickstarter is its ability to combine ideas with resources to bring new opportunities to market. We’ve already seen this model deliver very successful campaigns like Kano that put the power of micro-computing into the hands of many. A new project, called Eedu, is looking to provide that same experience to students interested in building drones.  This educational kit aims to further open the door to teach more young people how to code. 
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Grovemade is back at it again with a new addition to its handcrafted line of accessories for Apple products. This time, the Portland-based company is releasing a new home for Apple’s Magic Trackpad. Appropriately named the ‘Trackpad Tray’, this product fits right in with Grovemade’s Desk Collection.
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It feels like a dream come true: LEGO has finally released its own version of Minecraft. That’s right, you are now able to build and customize an entire world with glorious (virtual) plastic bricks. But this isn’t just a carbon-copy of Mojang’s wildly-popular game, it is without a doubt a LEGO game, right down to the customizable avatar. Head below to find out how you can dive into LEGO Worlds…
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Update (6/8 8:30am): The new GoPro Hero+ LCD is now available for purchase at Amazon.

Update (6/1 2:45pm): We’ve added a deal on GoPro’s HERO4 Silver down below.

Just in time for summer, GoPro has revealed a new entry level model that updates its previously released bare-bones HERO. The new action camera, which goes by the name of HERO+ LCD, predictably adds a new touchscreen display and other upgrades. New features aside, it will be the price point that makes or breaks it for many consumers…
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After announcing new internal solid-state drives last week, SanDisk is back again with new portable storage options for Mac and PC users. This time the popular accessory manufacturer has expanded its line of portable SSDs and USB 3.0 Flash Drives.

Head below for the full details, pricing and availability.
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Update (6/6 11:30am): @andrewcurryla is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest!

In case you forgot, Father’s Day is coming up quickly. With about three weeks to go, it is time to start seriously figuring out what you are going to get Pops this year. In hopes that you’ll skip the Amazon gift card for 2015, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gear and toys that Dad is sure to love, plus a pretty nice giveaway too.

We’ve already told you the story of TM1985 – a company from Brooklyn that puts out meticulously crafted backpacks, travel and home goods. If Dad is into quality products that also have an exceptional story, then go no further than TM1985’s offerings this year. Our favorite product from Tielor McBride’s line is the Roll Top Back Pack.

Head below for more information, including our top picks for Father’s Day and how you can receive 25% off all TM1985 products or win a Roll Top Back Pack for yourself.

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Update (6/1 6:15pm): Nintendo has announced that it will bringing the classic N-Zap ’85 laser gun to Splatoon, plus a new map tonight as an update.

Update (5/29 6:15pm): The Inkling Boy amiibo is currently available on Amazon.

If you’re into gaming and making a mess, its a good day for you. Splatoon for Wii U is now available for your virtual paint throwing pleasure. In classic Nintendo fashion, this colorful, cartoon-based game is brimming with fun times. Head below for more details and find out how you can get a special console bundle today or even a custom Splatoon squirt gun.
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As we head into June, Microsoft has revealed its free games for Xbox Live users next month. Subscribers can expect four titles across Xbox One and 360 consoles. Head below for full details and the window of availability for each title. 
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Amazon continues to add perks to its Prime service and today’s big news is going to make it more tempting than ever before to click buy. With roughly 40 million subscribers world worldwide, Prime is pushing to deliver all the goods to your front door…
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Memory and computer accessory maker SanDisk has revealed details on new solid-state drives (SSD) coming to its family of storage products. The new Z400s SSD is designed to boost speeds and provide a more secure option that is less likely to fail. Head below for full details, pricing and PR on today’s announcement. 
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Tanga offers the Lenmar ChugPlug External Power-Supply Pack for MacBook Air or Pro for $67.99 with free shipping. That’s a savings of $132 off the bloated original listing, $62 better than Amazon, a few dollars off our previous mention and the lowest price that we can find.

We chose the ChugPlug as one of our top portable battery options for MacBooks. You can expect it to add up to an additional 4 hours of battery life to the 11-inch MacBook Air and up to 3 hours for the 13-inch MacBook Air/Pro. While not a full recharge, those couple of added hours can be invaluable when trying to get work done on the road. It is compatible with standard 45 and 60W Apple MagSafe Power Adapters. Note: not compatible with 15-inch MacBooks.

It ships with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Rated 4/5 stars.

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Sony has announced its free games for PlayStation Plus members during the month of June. It’s a big month with four games on PS4 plus multiple games on PS3 and Vita. Head below for all the details on which games are going free…
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While Segway has been met with a general ‘meh’ since its release in back in 2001, there is still a strong market of people wanting alternative transportation. Because of continually evolving battery technologies, there is constant innovation in this category bringing new ideas to fruition.

A company out of the Netherlands has introduced a new electric two-wheeled transporter that blends skateboarding and Segways into a unique package. This handleless device – dubbed OXBOARD – looks like something straight out of Back to the Future.
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Update (5/30 12:01pm): @christianareas is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest!

Back in the fall, we reviewed Interpid’s Journeyman messenger bag and were impressed with the quality of its leather as well as its overall versatility.

This week we’ll be giving one away, head below for more details on the bag and how to enter to win.
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IGN is now offering NBA Jam as its free iOS game of the month. This is the first time that we’ve seen this iOS game go free. You can now download this game for free on iOS via IGN’s deal page.

This 90’s classic has been brought back to life on iOS with all your favorite vintage players. The classic 2-on-2 arcade style game has long been a favorite and has now been remastered for local multiplayer with three classic modes.

In case you missed it earlier, 1Password for Mac dropped to $28 (Reg. $50), Sky Guide is free in the Apple Store app and be sure to hit the $1 Amazing Apps and Games sale. For more game/app deals check out this week’s free app from Apple and this morning’s roundup.

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Image: Gear Hungry

Outdoor sports have seen a resurgence in the last few years as healthier lifestyles and fitness tracking have become more popular. The good news for consumers is that more companies are breathing new life into product categories that were in need of innovation. One area that is experiencing this growth is water sports, and crowdfunding sites are playing a big role in that success.

We’ve already told you about a pretty cool inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Today, we’re highlighting a new collapsable kayak from Oru. This new kayak, called The Coast, is a follow-up to Oru’s The Bay, which was also a Kickstarter brainchild. This new model has many upgraded features, most notably its ability to fold flat into a small carry-on size bag.
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Haven’t we all been in that situation, in need of a piece of paper to sketch out that important idea? Trying to capture a visual representation of that conversation or meeting you just had at the coffee shop. Today, we’ve got a pretty cool Kickstarter project that wants to take those worries away.

Actually, it just wants to take the paper away all together…
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Remember all those old console and handheld games that are still in your mom’s attic? The ones you couldn’t stand to throw out, in hopes that one day an answer to your nostalgic gaming needs would bring these titles back like a Phoenix from the ashes. Today, is your lucky day…at least in Japan.

A new console from an Asian company called Cyber Gadget aims to bring back all of your favorite games from a variety of formats. All told, over 11 different gaming platforms will be supported and the list includes all the favorites…
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BuyDig offers the Canon PIXMA MG7520 Wireless AirPrint All-in-one in black or white + Adobe Photoshop/Premiere Elements 12 for $109 shipped (price reflected in cart). This deal represents over $200 worth of value, and is $5 less than Amazon charges for the printer alone. If you’re in the market for a quality printer with great ratings, you might as well add a solid piece of photo editing software as well.

The MG7520 has AirPrint capabilities, as well as NFC for printing via Android devices, an individual ink tank design and it can scan, copy and print. Adobe Photoshop Elements offers basic photo management while Elements is a video editing suite. Both software options for this bundle are available for Mac OS X or Windows PC.

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After years of dominating the whole home audio space, SONOS is finding more and more competition every month it seems. Electronics maker Hitachi has announced that it is launching a new trio of wireless speakers that crowds the product category even further. It has included many features that SONOS lacks and is attempting to undercut them significantly on price…
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We’ve already established that Xbox One is making the strongest push to manage and supply all your digital entertainment content at home. So far, it has done a pretty good job of bringing together all of the top services. This includes Sling TV, Netflix, Hulu Plus, as well as support for cable or satellite services directly integrated into the Xbox One via its HDMI inputs.

After being teased back in back early April, Microsoft has now made over-the-air antenna compatibility available to all Xbox One owners in the United States and Canada. Although it requires a hardware add-on, the Washington-based company has paired with one of the top antenna manufacturers to build a bundle specifically designed for the Xbox One. 
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Bike theft has long been an issue for riders of all ages. No matter the value of your bicycle, it has always been seen as an easy target for someone looking for a new ride or to make a few quick bucks. There is a new Kickstarter campaign that combines the convenience of a smartphone connected device with the security of re-inforced steel. Meet LINKA, the “world’s first” auto-unlocking smart bike lock…
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Today, Apple announced new models with lower prices for its 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display, bringing the cost down to $1,999. This new entry-level model has slower a slower processor than its predecessor and a traditional hard drive. Because of this, Apple is discounting its refurbished Retina 5K offerings following today’s news…
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Update (5/18 12:30pm): Amazon has matched this pricing on the SONOS PLAY:1 two room starter kit for $349 with free shipping.

Crutchfield is making it easier than ever to get into the world of wireless whole home audio. The online retailer is offering two SONOS PLAY:1 speakers in white or black for $349 shipped. These regularly go for $199 individually and today’s deal delivers a savings of roughly $25 per speaker. This is within a few dollars of the best price we’ve seen for an individual PLAY:1 and the lowest current offer. Crutchfield’s excellent service and support are an added bonus to this deal.

These speakers are widely respected by consumers as an excellent bridge into the SONOS ecosystem. The PLAY:1’s feature two class D tuned amplifiers, one 3.5″ mid-woofer and a tweeter. The humidity-resistant design allows for the speaker to be placed in a bathroom or outside on humid days. With access to a variety of music sources, such as Spotify, Pandora and Beats Music, the PLAY:1 is a solid option for starting a whole home wireless music system.

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More and more people are commuting to work each and every day, and with that comes increased risk for injury from cars and obstacles. It’s no surprise that bikers are coming up with more innovative ways to protect themselves. Enter BrakePack – a simple backpack that has built-in braking and turn signals to help keep you safe along the way.
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With so many Internet of Things (IoT) devices dominating our homes, the ability to control them all continues to be a journey of trial and error. We continue to hear that Apple’s HomeKit is coming down the pipeline but its ultimate usefulness has yet to be seen. In the meantime, there is a Kickstarter project called Nuimo that plans on bringing all of the controls for SONOS, Philips Hue and others typically found in your iPhone to a physical knob and display. It has already blown past its goal in just a few days…
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With the constant need to remain innovative and cutting edge, the iPhone accessory indunstry continues to blossom with new options for consumers looking to protect their devices. Today, LifeProof has announced the addition of a battery pack to one of its most popular cases. The FRĒ Power comes shortly after its competitor Mophie detailed it’s own new waterproof option…
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We live in a world where drones are constantly evolving, becoming more consumer friendly and dropping in price. There are many reasons to be excited about these in-air camera-wielding devices. But today, we are seeing one of the coolest new products that might potentially change the game for consumers looking to get into aerial photography.

The new Lily Camera has a number of features that make it stand out from other offerings that we have seen. Unlike its competitors, this drone appears to being nearly foolproof when it comes to flying. To get started, all you have to do is throw it straight in the air…
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At a time when LED lightbulbs and built-in speakers are rapidly developing, it only seems like a natural fit that the two would converge eventually. Sony is doing just that. The electronics company has announced a new product that wraps illumination and audio into one small package.
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We love Kickstarter projects. It’s pretty awesome to find people that are pushing the limits of where technology can bring us. In the case of this Kickstarter, it’s a group that has raised nearly $800,000 off a $9 computer, good for over 15x its original goal.

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Update (5/16 12:01pm): Our winners are: @snazzyq, @yozh, @Demonoid55, @i3erica – thanks everyone for entering our giveaway!

As we continue to cover companies that manufacture in the United States, a recurring theme has come forward. Many of these brands do not have the resources of larger companies, while that may have some downfalls, it also pushes them to think outside of the box and do more with less.

A lot of the products that we feature in Small States have a simplistic design that achieve the same goal as much more complex offerings. Generally, these solutions are more complementary of the minimalistic design found in many household products.

One Los Angeles-based startup that we recently came across is a wonderful example of this. Feltmark manufactures beautifully simple lights that manage to look stylish without much in the way of extras. It truly is an example of the “more is less theory” and today we get to share these products and give a few away as well:
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Stand up paddle boards – or “SUP” for short – have enjoyed massive success over the last few years. From oceans to lakes, more and more people are taking advantage of the ability to enjoy cruising on the water without the claustrophobic feel of a kayak. The competition is fierce amongst manufacturers, which has increased the need for cutting edge design while also driving down prices.

The reality is that most stand up paddles boards are rigid, which makes for a difficult time transporting from one location to another. Inflatable models have found some success at a lower price point but lack the get-in-and-go of a solid fiberglass or wood model. Insert SipaBoards, a unique Kickstarter project that aims to solve many of those problems described above. It has already smashed its goal and only has a few days left to get in on the action…
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The truth about drones: fun to fly but expensive if you want a full feature packed model. Take DJI’s latest release for example, which features 4K, auto-pilot and its own Wi-Fi connection, it will set you back more than $1,000. Even if you’re going to provide your own camera, those options still cost upwards of $600, if not more.

So what are your options if you need something a little more fiscally sound? A new Kickstarter project is attempting to bring an affordable drone to market that puts your iPhone right in the air…
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Comcast has announced that it will be launching a new 4K UHDTV set-top box, which will bring content that has 4x the resolution of standard 1080p. With more and more manufacturers releasing UHDTVs, this is a great time to get in on 4K. The entertainment conglomerate has plans for increasing its 4K content as well…
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Just in time for Mother’s Day, T-Mobile is discounting its Apple iPad offerings by $100 when you elect to finance through its Equipment Installment Plan (EIP) program. The big news here is that every iPad model w/ LTE service that T-Mobile offers is eligible, including iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and iPad mini with Retina display. While we frequently see iPad deals of varying degrees, the wide range of discounts on all capacities makes this deal particularly notable. T-Mobile is even throwing in free overnight shipping today.

Here’s how it works: purchase any iPad with LTE at T-Mobile and use the EIP, T-Mobile will then apply a $5.50 credit to your monthly bill for two years (that’s more than $100, but we’ll take it!) as long as you maintain a 1GB or higher Simple Choice Mobile internet or Match Your Data plan. This works out to an effective discount of $132. If you cancel your plan at any time, the remaining balance on the product is due, other fees may apply (full terms and conditions below).

Here are the models that T-Mobile currently offers. Note: you must select color and capacity on the product page.

• iPad Air 2 (LTE): $20.74/mo after bill credit
  • 16GB: $0 down
  • 64GB: $99.99 down
  • 128GB: $199.99 down
• iPad mini 3 (LTE): $16.58/mo after bill credit
  • 16GB: $0 down
  • 64GB: $99.99 down
  • 128GB: $199.99 down
• iPad mini w/ Retina Display (LTE)
  • 16GB: $0 down and $12.41/mo after bill credit
  • 32GB: $0 down and $14.49/mo after bill credit

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Solar powered grills have been around for some time, with varying degrees of success and execution. The makers of the GoSun Stove have taken to Kickstarter to raise funds for a new solar grill that is capable of cooking at all hours of the day, even at night.

The amount of money raised in a few days is very impressive, giving GoSun the support needed to to take its grill mainstream…
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Update (5/6 10:30pm): Tony Hawk Pro Skater 5 is now available for pre-order at Amazon.

Rejoice Tony Hawk fans, after years of dormancy, the wildly popular skateboard game will be making its triumphant return on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Pro Skater 5 will look to go back to its old school heritage combining arcade style gameplay along with a number of new additions…
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