Reviews

At first glance, the Nikon Coolpix A looks like a typical, if slightly retro, compact camera. But, it actually contains a large APS-C sensor, the same size found in most DSLRs. It also boasts a relatively speedy f/2.8 18.5-mm fixed lens, which should enable it to take photographs rivaling the quality of much bigger cameras. After getting a brief pre-release hands-on with the camera, we've now had the chance to spend some quality time with it, to see if it lives up to the potential.  Read More

Friendly Gizmag readers, if Part One of our Realtouch review left you feeling a little squeamish, it's probably best to click your way right back out of this page, because Part Two takes us into even murkier waters. In one of the better stretches I can remember in my working life, I've been using this USB-controlled pleasure machine to have amazingly realistic long-distance sex with girls on three different continents. For a first iteration of an entirely new category of sex toy, this thing is an absolute triumph. Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a messy read.  Read More

It’s tricky business, comparing iPhone and Galaxy smartphones. Too often the conversation disintegrates into fingerpointing, one-upmanship, and sermons from the Church of the Holy Fanboy. But when it comes down to it, we're talking about two great smartphones. Some people will prefer one, some will prefer the other. Who cares? The only important question is which is better for you? Let’s do our best to help you answer that, with our in-depth comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5.  Read More

Not too long after its launch in 2005, you'd be hard-pushed to visit any friends without being challenged to a round or two of Guitar Hero. Interest in learning to play a real guitar also blossomed, but many found the transition from guitar-shaped controller to actual instrument a difficult one, and perfectly good axes have been gathering dust ever since. Irish company Sonic Ladder has now released some interesting software called Riffstation that gives you the opportunity to break out your much-neglected guitar and play along with your favorite bands to onscreen prompts. Gizmag takes a look at what this software has to offer.  Read More

When you’re shopping for a new smartphone, sometimes there's one clear choice. Other times, there are so many options you don't know where to start. But then there are those times when it comes down to two. You know, a good old fashioned duel. Many smartphone shoppers are going through that now, with the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One. After spending several weeks with both phones, let’s revisit this comparison – and see if we can help you with the big decision.  Read More

For professional-looking videos, one of the fundamental rules for the vast majority of shots is to use a tripod. Doing so can be a hassle, however – particularly if you’re running around banging off quick shots for some sort of extreme sports video. With that in mind, New Jersey-based Wild Iron Inc. is introducing a little something known as the Flex Shot. Essentially, it’s a deformable 4 x 4-inch (10 x 10-cm) heavy-duty rubber bag full of a “sand-like material,” with a coated aluminum camera mount on top. I recently had a chance to try out a prototype unit, and I think the idea has a lot of merit.  Read More

When you’re facing adversity, what do you do? Do you act out of fear and desperation? Throw everything against the wall and hope something will stick? Or do you use it as an opportunity to refocus, and soar to new heights? HTC chose the latter. The result is the One, probably the boldest Android phone ever made. But is it also the best Android phone ever made? Or even – gasp – the best smartphone ever made? Read on, as we review the HTC One.  Read More

When you’re sitting on top of the world, what do you do? Do you pay tribute to what got you there? Or do you use that new freedom to try something different? In the case of Samsung with the Galaxy S4, it leaned more towards the former. Is it too much of the same? Or an improvement on a successful formula? Read on, as we review the Samsung Galaxy S4.  Read More

Val Kolton's V-MODA announced a new addition to its stylish range of headphones in October 2012 which, by the time of actual release in mid-December, had managed to attract a good many positive comments from the critics and enthusiasts fortunate enough to get an early listen. The Crossfade M-100s were developed in collaboration with over 200 audiophiles, editors, artists, DJs and Grammy-winning musicians ... and it shows. Gizmag has spent the last few weeks with our ears snuggled up to the 50 mm drivers to find out what all the fuss is about.  Read More