Margaret Dornbusch

Microsoft releases Future Visions science fiction anthology

microsoft future visions

I know this is a gadget blog, but most of us who love gadgets also love science fiction. Microsoft just announced the release of an anthology of short stories written by contemporary science fiction greats such as Elizabeth Bear, Greg Bear, David Brin, and Ann Leckie. To provide inspiration for the stories, Microsoft let the

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LEGO releases the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Programmer App for tablets

lego mindstorms app1

I’ve always been a fan of the LEGO Mindstorms robotics system that teaches children and adults how to build and program robots. Usually, you would use your Mac or PC to program the robot’s brain, but now you can use your iPad or Android tablet, too. The LEGO Group just announced the availability of its

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Coocheer LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad-ultra Thin, Dimmable LED, Professional Drawing Light Box review

coocheer lightbox3

When I was a kid, I loved playing with a little plastic light box. It came with cartoon templates you could trace to make your own creations. The Coocheer LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad-ultra Thin, Dimmable LED, Professional Drawing Light Box is modern, and better, version of that old light box. Instead of a 60-watt

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SwitchEasy Blocks Customizable Dock Building Set for Apple Watch review

switcheasy blocks1

As a LEGO fan and an Apple Watch owner, I had heard about people building their own Apple Watch charging stands with LEGO blocks. When SwitchEasy came out with its Blocks Apple Watch charging stand, I jumped at the chance to take a look at it.

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Apple’s Move to iOS App available on Google Play

Apple movetoios1

If you’re an Android user considering moving to Apple’s latest iPhone, you might benefit from Apple’s new Android app: Move to iOS. The app sets up a private WiFi connection between your new iPhone and your Android phone. The app transfer your content and put it in the appropriate places. Data handled includes: Contacts Message

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Thermacell Repellent Camp Lantern review

thermacell lantern1

In the central Texas, mosquitoes are a year-round problem. We have those tiny Asian Tiger mosquitoes that love shade, hit quick, and bite hard. When the weather is nice, we love to sit outside at night in our live oak-shaded back yard and chat, drink iced tea, and occasionally toss a ball for the dogs.

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LEGO Minifigure Series 14 will scare the heck out of you

lego minifig1

I’ve been a dedicated Adult Fan of LEGO (AFOL) for decades. At its height, my obsession resulted in a collection of more than 100,000 LEGO pieces. Now, I restrict myself to mostly minifigures, the little plastic people included in LEGO sets. Several years ago, LEGO launched a line of collectible LEGO minifigs, which they release

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Stacks desk accessory keeps messy cords in place

stacks1

Cords, cords, cords! Those of who love gadgets don’t usually love the cords that come with them. They tangle, they look bad, and they slide off your desk when you unplug a device. The Stacks desk accessory helps keep them organized and control. Currently in Kickstarter, Stacks are made with industrial steel and brass, Stacks

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Deckopedia offers bite-sized lifestyle help

deckopedia

Deckopedia card decks help satisfy the needs of curious, but busy, people using a unique, handheld format. Created by former world-class snowboarding champion turned entrepreneur Caroline Chabert Graeff, Deckopedia offers an easy-to-digest way for time-crunched people to learn in-demand topics, such as tackling a raw food diet, traveling to must-see destinations, or ways to go

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Save space with the Sengled Pulse lightbulb speaker

sengled pulse1

Heading back to tiny dorms this fall? Need more counter space at home? Use the Pulse smart bulb to make space for your music. Made by Sengled, the Pulse combines a dimmable LED light with a multi-channel JBL Bluetooth speaker for a home entertainment and lighting solution in one device. Screw the Pulse into any

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Life-Saved Sunblock Umbrella offers layers of safety

Life Saved Vehicle Umbrella1

The Life-Saved Sunblock Umbrella could save your life. The Life-Saved Sunblock Umbrella features a new coating technology and a sunblock surface to shield you from rain and sun. In an emergency, though, you can use the umbrella handle as a hammer to break a car window and as a seat-belt cutter to help you get

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Early SXSW 2016 registration opens August 3, 2015

sxsw

Early registration for the 30th annual SXSW Conferences & Festivals opens on Monday, August 3, 2015. The trio of conferences, which takes place March 11-20, 2016, in Austin, TX, offer nine days packed full of showcases, screenings, panel sessions, exhibitions, workshops, networking events, mentor sessions, and more. SXSW 2016 includes SXSW Music, SXSW Film, and

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Amazon launches store for startups

Amazon Launchpad Logo

Amazon this week announced a new storefront dedicated to startups and crowdfunded products. Amazon Launchpad makes it easy for startups to launch, market, and distribute their products to Amazon customers. Companies participating in Amazon Launchpad benefit from a streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, a comprehensive marketing package, and access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network.

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