Just about a year ago I wrote about the launch of the scaled-down PC/XBOX360/PS3 action-RPG game Dungeon Defenders on iOS devices and (eventually) Android smartphones. Dungeon Defenders ‘The First Wave’ was a blast to play, but had horrid performance on Android devices and didn’t scale well at all. Now Trendy Entertainment has launched a ‘Second Wave’ of Dungeon Defenders, and for a limited time they have made it FREE on Android devices! Aside from updated enemies and locations, the new version has scalable graphics – if you are having issues, simply use the slider to reduce the quality level and you should see an instant improvement in performance!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The term “game changer” is thrown around far too often. (I am as guilty as the next blogger.) But the fact of the matter is, for those of us who are using Siri seriously, it really is a game changer. In this post I want to take a quick look at one of the many ways that Siri is transforming what I do and making it easier and more efficient than ever. A bit of background first. In my congregation I have the privilege of working with three other members of our clergy team. In addition, I have a full-time assistant who, quite frankly, is my brain. For the longest time she would be the… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Think about the scenario for a second – sheep captured by wolves, and rescued by … PENGUINS? It seems silly – but in a fun way! The gameplay of Crazy Escape is fairly tradition ‘Flight Control’ style path tracing and avoidance, but with new strategic moves to trap enemies and other cool tricks and pitfalls. Check out the trailer for the game at the bottom of the post to see for yourself! Here is the description: Outsmart the Wolves and Save the Sheep in Crazy Escape For iPad/iPhone from BulkyPix October 20, 2011, San Francisco, CA and Paris, France – Saving sheep from hungry wolves isn’t easy – but you’re able to do Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Skooba Design makes some amazing bags and gear accessories. They are all well-built and amazingly functional. In fact, once you start using one, you quickly realize that Skooba’s bags were designed by people who actually carry and USE mobile devices. This level of thought and functionality is seen in pretty much every aspect of the bags including the location of pockets, the size and the placement of zippered areas. The company sent us word that their new fall lineup of laptop and tablet cases is on the way and they look great. The new V.3 Collection includes two laptop bags, an iPad/tablet messenger, and a new version of Skooba’s Superbungee shoulder strap. At the same… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Today’s Gear Deal brings us Dell’s 27″ UltraSharp LCD Monitor. This isn’t just any monitor. No, this monitor is not only large but it features a WQHD 2,560 x 1,400 resolution IPS panel, a 6ms grey-to-grey response time, an 8-in-1 card reader, 1 USB 2.0 upstream port, 4 USB 2.0 downstream ports, capacitive-touch switches for setup and more. The monitor accepts multiple video inputs including HDMI 1.3, DisplayPort, DVI, Component and Composite connections. Normally $1,099, our Gear Sponsor gave us the headsup on a $275 off coupon code that brings the price down to $824. It will even ship for free but hurry, the coupon only has a limited number of times it can… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Have you seen these Rabit cases? I was following a link to another item, when I found these and had to share. Rabit is basically a simple shell-style case with two cute bunny ears sticking out of the top. While that’s different enough on its own, the makers took it one step further by adding a tail. This tail isn’t just for looks, either — it’s functional!   Held on by a suction cup, the tail acts as a stand when it is attached. Of course you’ll likely end up losing the tail… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Lenovo’s 15″ IdeaPad Y570 Laptop is powered by Intel’s 2011 2nd Generation processors. The Y570 “sports a black, textured exterior and brushed metal design on the interior, with a comfortable island-style keyboard. Premium sound is built-in courtesy of SRS technology and JBL speakers.” It weighs under 6 lbs and measures under an inch at its thinnest point. Each model includes a 2nd generation Intel Core processors, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 555M 1GB graphics chip and Windows 7 Home. The laptop has an integrated 2MP webcam, a 6-cell battery, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Upgrades include upgrading to a Core i7 Quad-Core processor, 8GB RAM, a 1TB Hard Drive with 64GB RapidDrive, Blu-ray and more. Our Gear Sponsor found deals… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

If you look at sales of the PSP in Japan, you will find them linked inexorably to a single franchise: Monster Hunter. Earlier this year it was ported to the iPhone, with the result of feeling scaled back – it was a solid game, but disappointing to anyone hoping for a full-scaled Monster Hunter experience. Capcom was listening, and has just come out with a huge update to the game. Here is the description: CAPCOM, a leading international developer and publisher of video games, today released an update that contains four new monsters and unveils for the first time the ‘gunlance’ sword for MONSTER HUNTER Dynamic Hunting on iPhone and iPod touch Continue reading on Gear Diary …

  So you have an iPad, and an iPhone and your kids each have an iPod touch. Keeping them all charged is a challenge and, if you want to use a dock/cradle it is almost impossible since each device has a different thickness. Now, thanks to XtremeMac’s InCharge Sync adjustable dock for iPod, iPhone and iPad you can have one dock to rule them all. The new dock not only accepts all different iOS devices but it is even case-friendly thanks to an adjustable rear support that can accommodate different device depths. Better still, the InCharge Sync includes a 4ft USB to mini USB cable that will work with most USB wall chargers. The… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Elana is all but sick of hearing my content refrain of “Have I told you how much I love our Sonos System?” It is at that point that she reminds me that, while she enjoys the music when it is on, the Sonos system is definitely my baby. She’s right. It is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Here is the thing though: the Sonos system worked for me for two reasons. First, at the time I didn’t have a serious music system in the house and, second, I was willing to make the investment to set up Sonos in a bunch of different rooms. And believe me, getting the entire house… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Trine is an excellent fantasy action-platform game from developer FrozenByte. The game was featured in the Humble FrozenByte Bundle, and I also reviewed the PC version here, concluding: there are some issues, but none compare to how much fun this game is and how fresh the gameplay feels. Trine is a very nicely put together unified gaming experience augmented with excellent physics, great visuals and solid audio, and is definitely a game worth playing. The boxed version is coming to retail soon, so I would check that out and look for a sale price to experience this otherwise excellent game. My biggest issue was that the price seemed too high for the game… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Images: GM It has been a busy week for the technology divisions at General Motors as several major news announcements have graced the Gear Diary inbox. Kicking things off is Cadillac and its new Cadillac User Experience or “CUE” system set to arrive in 2012 in the upcoming XTS and ATS sedans and SRX crossover. CUE will pair entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. “CUE doesn’t replace your… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I usually feature Good Old Games in my weekend PC games sales round-up, but this week they surprised me with a mid-week deal! The classic ‘Broken Sword’ trilogy of adventure games is on sale for 50% off until Friday morning at 7AM! We have covered Broken Sword (mostly the first game) quite a bit at Gear Diary, starting with Clinton Fitch’s 2007 review of the Pocket PC port, then my 2009 review of the Nintendo DS version, and the free offer on the iPad version early this year, and finally the Good Old Games giveaway of the original PC game for a limited time after their 6 millionth… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

It is no secret that Android devices are extremely popular, based on the utility of the operating system as well as inexpensive pricing from most carriers. Now US Cellular introduces the HTC Wildfire S Android smartphone for FREE after rebate. It is a solid phone at a great price. Let’s take a quick look! Here is what US Cellular says: Get the HTC Wildfire STM to keep you at the center of your social world. Featuring AndroidTM 2.3 (Gingerbread) and HTC SenseTM, the HTC Wildfire S brings together all the different ways to communicate with your friends and family Continue reading on Gear Diary …

A couple of months ago G5 released the iPad version of Virtual City Playground, and I noted it was like ‘Sandbox mode set free’ and really enjoyed playing. Now it has arrived on Android and iPhone. Read on to find out what I thought! The Hype: Your favorite Virtual City gameplay is now FREE in Virtual City Playground! Make even your most ambitious dreams a reality! Build the city of your dreams… and then run it. • Play sandbox mode for FREE! No predefined missions • Over 85 new optional quests • Over 90 new buildings, landmarks, and decorations, including Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Coliseum, Sydney Opera, and… Continue reading on Gear Diary …