Bob Hoose

3 weeks ago | pluggedin.com | Bob Hoose

Each year the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) presents a showcase of all sorts of new wiz-bang electronics, computer hardware and software innovations. This year it was hosted in Las Vegas at a convention center that encompassed some 2.9 million square feet of displays, showcased over 4,500 presenters and was a short-term second home for some 141,000 attendees with durable walking shoes.

1 month ago | pluggedin.com | Bob Hoose

When you read the reference to an “AICompanion” in this blog’s title, you may have instantly jumped to the idea of some platform or device that you can make into a digitalized bestie. You know, an AI construct that you can wile away the hours chatting with online or making romantic overtures to. Hey, you can even wear pendant-sized AI buds like a necklace these days. You haven’t heard of those?

Jan 10, 2025 | pluggedin.com | Bob Hoose

Have you heard about those new mind-reading headphones? It’s true. They’re real. They’re called the Master & Dynamic x Neurable MW75 NeuroHeadphones. (Which is quite a mouthful.) And just in case you’re thinking they’re the equivalent of a pair of “Amazing X-Ray Glasses” you’d see in the back of an old comic book, let me stop you. The reviews are in, and these techy gizmos are actually supposed to read your brain waves accurately while delivering high-quality sound. How? Why? Well, let’s see.

Nov 29, 2024 | pluggedin.com | Bob Hoose

Movies and games and such are fun, but there’s nothing like a good book for immersive and thoughtful entertainment. Hopefully, all you lovely Plugged In readers have been checking out our book review section. We try to pick up a cross-section of popular books in a variety of age ranges and genres. But in case you haven’t been stopping in regularly for a booky treat, here’s a tasty slice of solid reads that we reviewed this past year. by Shannon and Dean Hale. (Early readers.

Nov 22, 2024 | pluggedin.com | Bob Hoose

OK, when you’re faced with a gazillion new game releases in a year, how can you possibly whittle that stack down to a mere five of the best, top-shelf, really great ones to tell people about? We asked ourselves that very question as we formulated our Plugged In Year-End Picks for the best games of 2024. And our editor’s answer is usually … I don’t know! Be brave. Suck it up!So, after some brave consideration, here is my list of family friendly fare for your perusal.