Review

Last year, HTC had a hit with its HTC One, considered by many to be the best-looking Android smartphone ever released, not to mention a solid performer. Samsung’s Galaxy S4 ended up running away with the Android sales crown in 2013, but HTC is back this year with the One M8, a successor that’s bigger, looks even better and offers solid performance combined with an innovative new dual camera system. I just spent a few days with HTC’s new flagship and this is probably the best Android smartphone I’ve laid my hands on. And it’s coming soon to Best Buy!

    Roku recently announced the launch of their new streaming stick, which looks similar to the Google Chromecast dongle so I researched both and wrote a  comparison of the two, to figure out which one is better.  In my opinion they are both good, but felt the Roku Streaming Stick is a better value device. I now have my hands on one of the first Roku Streaming Sticks and can provide you a proper review to let you know if it lives up to those expectations.

The Sony DSC-H300 is a point-and-shoot camera with a DSLR-style body. It packs a very impressive 35x optical zoom and SteadyShot technology which gives you the ability to take photos over a quite incredible distance. But as photographer Justin Morrison discovered, it also has some features that let you get some really fun and stylish portraits  

Long before Mario was super, he was transported as a baby to Yoshi Island where the Yoshis had to protect him from the wizard Kamek.  Your adventure is as the various Yoshis in 6 different worlds protecting Baby Mario from being snatched into the hands of evil, as it is believed he will be trouble for Bowser as a grown-up.  Kamek got one thing right:  Mario IS going to be trouble for Bowser, but can you get him to safety and adulthood where he can then save the world?  Yoshi’s New Island is the latest installment of the franchise, and is available now.  Click on to read the review of this family friendly title.

Every once in awhile I see something that brings the kid out in me – poprocks and gold rush candy, plush stuffies, and Lego are just a few of my favourite things, but nothing makes me want to gear up and get outside to play more than a power toy.   The good news is that Gio has an amazing lineup of electric scooters and electric bikes that are fun, fun, fun, for both you and your kids, and they’re now available on Bestbuy.ca. Just in time too, because spring and summer are right around the corner.

One of the cool aspects of this job is being able to try out a hotly anticipated new device before it’s officially available. What’s even cooler is when a manufacturer sends you a whole box of new gadgets to review. That was the case when I cracked open the shipment from Samsung to find the new Galaxy NotePRO 12.2, Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 and Galaxy TabPRO 10.1 tablets. You can buy all three now at Best Buy, but I had the opportunity to get to know them before they hit the shelves. While I was especially impressed by the Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 (with its massive 12.2-inch, four million pixel display), all three PRO models are likely to please Android tablet fans, and offer a solid choice for prosumers and those looking for a business-friendly option.

As good as your PC or laptop might be, you can make it even better with accessories. A wireless keyboard, a touch-enabled mouse or a set of powerful external speakers will improve your experience without having to upgrade the computer itself. And few companies can match Logitech when it comes to computer accessories —in quality, design or sheer selection of products. I recently had the opportunity to try out a trio of Logitech’s latest: the Logitech Ultrathin Touch Mouse, TK 820 Wireless Keyboard and Z600 Bluetooth speakers. Here’s what I thought of them.

It’s been a very long time since there was a South Park console game.  In fact, the newest system when the last console was game was out was Sega Dreamcast, a previous object of Cartman’s affection.  Some 15 years after South Park Rally, it’s time for the cast and crew to come back a few gaming generations and 200 episodes later.  The Stick of Truth is the first game back, courtesy of Ubisoft, and is a Role Playing Game of all things.  Featuring more fart gags and more inside jokes than perhaps any other video game I’ve ever played in my life, please come check out the review for this rather unique title.

I’m an easy to please gamer tired of all the clutter in my living room and home office.  I’m tired of having to buy a headset for my PC, XBox, Nintendo and Playstation systems because they’re only made and optimized for that specific console.  How hard would it be to have something that was all-encompassing, doesn’t break the bank and doesn’t skimp on sound quality?  Not hard at all according to Plantronics, who believe their RIG Headset is all this and more.  Click below for my review of this dynamic headset.