I got a new iPhone, headphones and watch

It’s that time of year again, and as a tech reviewer and photographer, I usually get a new iPhone to have better tech, get camera improvements, be able to make recommendations, and answer your questions. This year was no different. I got the new iPhone 16 Pro.

Let me answer the first question I get when I say what I just said: “Why didn’t you go with the iPhone 16 Pro Max?” People are usually shocked when I say, “I don’t like the bigger phone!” After all, what’s not to like? It’s a bigger screen, usually longer battery life, and a feature or two that the regular “smaller” Pro model doesn’t have. So why wouldn’t I get the 16 Pro Max? Here’s why: I had a 13 Pro Max, and all I remember saying for an entire year was, “I can’t wait till the iPhone 14 Pro comes out so that I can go back down in size.”

I didn’t like the bigger iPhone at all. It wasn’t hand-friendly for one-handed use, and I always felt like I was going to drop it. It was too bulky for my pocket. I just didn’t like it, and I don’t miss it.

July 16, 2024July 17, 2024

My Top Amazon Prime Day 2024 Deal Picks

It’s that sale that many of us wait for each year, and this year, there are actually some pretty great savings on gadgets and smart home gear. I’m sharing my list of things I either own and love that are on sale or things that I actually bought this year, too.

So, in no particular order:

Eve Flare

25% Off (was $99.95, now $74.95)

Eve Flare is a rechargeable portable smart LED lamp that not only can you change the color of but also take it with you to the patio, pool or any other setting as it’s IP65 water resistant. I already have two of these and just bought a third for my office.

Get it here.

iRobot Roomba j7+

50% off (was $799.99, now $399.99)

I feel like I’ve gone full circle on robot vacs. I started with Roomba and then got swayed to other brands (Roborock) with better AI/performance and mopping. However, they became overly complicated to maintain, and I’m back to Roomba with this j7+. I bought one at $599 and am now buying a second at this half-off price for upstairs. It works better than any other robot vacuum I’ve used.

Get it here.

May 21, 2024May 21, 2024

See What’s NEW in the May 2024 Adobe Lightroom Release

I’m happy to share the news about today’s Adobe Photography Release (May 2024). There are updates across the Lightroom Ecosystem, including Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Lightroom on Mobile, and Lightroom on Web.

Today, we are introducing a groundbreaking feature in Lightroom-Generative Remove, powered by Firefly. This innovative tool allows you to effortlessly eliminate distractions from your photos with a single brush stroke, all without the need to switch to Photoshop.

We’ve also improved Lens Blur (which was in Early Access), making it easier than ever to control the depth of field in your photos with professional results.

Easily remove distractions with Generative Remove (early access)

Available on Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Lightroom for mobile (iOS & Android), Lightroom for web, and Adobe Camera Raw

With Generative Remove, powered by Firefly, you can easily remove unwanted objects and distractions, even on complex backgrounds, in just a few simple steps.

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024

NEW Adobe Express Mobile (Beta) is Here and it’s FREE!

I create social posts and videos several times a week to share with my community. Most of the time, I need to create that content while I’m on the go and in the moment, which means that I want to do it on my phone. Last year, Adobe completely revamped Adobe Express on the web with a modern interface that offered several new features. However, the mobile app was still based on the old platform.

That all changes today!

Here’s a walk-through of the new beta

March 5, 2024March 4, 2024

Sky-High Productivity: Why Apple Vision Pro Transforms Air Travel Into My Ultimate Workspace

I’m usually an early adopter regarding tech, especially new devices in a new or existing category. I love gadgets and tech, and I’m not afraid of change. I ordered an Apple Vision Pro on day one. Here’s my initial review for reference. When I did my initial review, I had not taken Apple Vision Pro on the road yet.

Recently, I had a business trip to LA and back. This is a five-hour flight from Atlanta. I usually use the time on flights to get some writing done, plus a movie or two. Working on a plane can definitely present a couple of challenges. The first is when the person in front of you leans their seat back, making it harder to open your laptop to a comfortable viewing angle. The second challenge is keeping the prying eyes of your seatmates off your work. Some privacy screens make it harder to view your screen from an angle, but I haven’t used one in years.

Apple Vision Pro Elevates In-Flight Productivity to New Heights

Apple Vision Pro with Mac Virtual Display

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024

I switched my WiFi network to Unifi a year ago! How’s it going?

Time flies when you’re no longer troubleshooting your WiFi. Last February I made the decision to upgrade away from my Linksys Velop WiFi system and take the advice of so many, and move over to Unifi from Ubiquiti. At the time, I came to grips with the fact that I had outgrown consumer networking equipment and needed something more robust and could handle the sheer number of devices I had in my home. My switch to Unifi solved all my networking issues, and honestly, I’m back to not thinking about it anymore (as it should be).

Unifi is like a drug

Although I started with just the Dream Machine Special Edition, U6 Enterprise and U6 LR Access Points, I have added a significant amount of new switches and access points since last February.

Like anything that works and makes life easier, you tend to want more of it. While my initial investment in a Unifi Dream Machine SE (router) and two Unifi Access Points solved all my WiFi woes, I couldn’t stop there. I started looking at everything that made up my network and wondering if replacing those items would be even better.

I switched over to all Unifi switches

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024

I’m now officially a cord cutter, too

People have been cutting the cord from their cable TV provider for years. With the explosion of smart TVs and streaming services, it’s pretty easy to get by with just internet service and stream the content you want on your TV. I’m late to the game, but earlier this year, I finally decided that I no longer needed and barely watched Cable TV anymore.

There are multiple ways to cut the cord

Some people opt for a digital antenna to pull in their local channels. Others forgo having local channels, and people like me who still want to have local channels but don’t need them from their cable providers go with a different streaming service that offers local channels.

YouTube TV was the one I chose

I figured YouTube has been in the video streaming business for decades, and if anyone could get streaming TV right, it would be them. They didn’t disappoint. I signed up for the trial, which lasts 21 days. I initially planned to go through the whole trial before dropping my Xfinity TV. I ended up canceling Xfinity TV the next day. I saw no reason that I would need to go through the whole trial period.

Calling to cancel your existing service can be a lot of pressure

February 6, 2024March 8, 2024

Apple Vision Pro – My Honest Review

Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s entry into the world of spatial computing. While people will be quick to compare it to all the existing VR headsets, that’s like comparing all 2007-era cellphones and early smartphones to the original iPhone in 2007. They are not the same. Apple Vision Pro is a different device with some VR features and capabilities just like early cellphones could make calls, text, and browse the internet. The iPhone did these things in innovative ways. I’ve spent the last four days taking the Apple Vision Pro through its paces.

No matter which reviews you read or watch about the Apple Vision Pro, they really can’t do it justice. It would be like describing what it’s like to go to the beach to someone who has never been on a beach before. You can describe the feeling and even show them pictures and videos, but they won’t know what it’s like until they experience it. Apple Vision Pro (AVP) is like that. Rather than trying to describe it in words, I recorded my review and demo here:

January 23, 2024January 23, 2024

Check Out My New Adobe Express Class

I just wanted to take a moment to give you a heads-up that I just released my latest class: “How to Get Started with Adobe Express – 10 Things Beginners Want to Know How To Do.” This free class is complete with chapters for the 10 Things so that you can quickly get to things you want anytime. It’s FREE (just like Adobe Express) so enjoy!

With Adobe Express, it’s easier than ever to make flyers, social posts, TikToks, Reels, and more. Enjoy premium features like quickly removing backgrounds and resizing designs. Create easier with generative AI tools.

December 29, 2023March 8, 2024

My Top 23 Gadgets from 2023

It’s that time of year! It’s time for my Top 23 Gadgets of 2023. In no particular order, I’ve listed the best gadgets I’ve gotten in 2023. Each product is linked below.

Here’s the video: