Skip to main content

Favorite Things From 2016


2016 was a great year for technology and gaming. Like previous years I ended up acquiring many things that I liked and didn’t like. This article will be a Top 10 list of things that I liked.
#2016WrapUp #2016 #Favoritethings2016


10. 1ByOne Bluetooth 4.1 Ring Collar Headset
This is a Bluetooth headset made by 1ByOne which features a magnetic ring collar, that vibrates when you are receiving an incoming call.
The Good:
These are a good pair of Bluetooth in-ear headphone. They produce great audio and have decent battery life.

The Bad:
Design is a tad flimsy and they are a bit uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The Ugly:
My set has stopped working as of December 2016. Maybe something I did, maybe not… I don’t know.

Where to buy - Amazon


9. 32 Key Melodica
One of the biggest issues for the aspiring pianist is inability to play or practice your craft when you are out and about. A melodica can be the fix that musicians like me need. A melodica is basically a keyboard and a harmonica blended together. I liked mine so much that I am planning on investing in more quality one this year.

The Good:
Inexpensive and fun to play.

The Bad:
Feels and looks like a toy, also there is a slight learning curve.

The Ugly:
The color may be a deal breaker for most. I'm not sure why they went with such an ugly color but whatever.

Where to buy? - Amazon

8. Final Fantasy XV (PS4)
After about 30 years Square Enix finally reaches #15. While it's not the best final fantasy (in my opinion), it is still a great game. In this game you play as Noctis. The story is a bit convoluted but a great addition to the Final Fantasy Franchise.

The Good:
Great Graphics, and Story. Difficulty is a bit challenging but not really frustrating.

The Bad:
Rushing through the game without properly leveling up will make the game very frustrating for most. The Night / Day System is also a tad annoying due to the cycles being too fast.

The Ugly:
***Spoiler***   There is a point in the game where you will be playing as Noctis without your party and without the car… Yeah…. Hard Times….

Where to buy? - Amazon


7. 1ByOne Gaming Headset
This is a USB gaming headset produced by 1ByOne. It has a mic and a controller that allow you to adjust volume, and you can also turn the lights on and off from it.

The Good:
Build Quality, Audio Quality, and its competitively priced.

The Bad:
It is a USB set…

The Ugly:
I can’t think of anything…

Where To Buy - Amazon

6. 1ByOne Bluetooth Speaker
This is a splash proof bluetooth speaker made by 1ByOne. It features all the goodies found in most bluetooth speakers, plus it is splash proof.

The Good:
The product is all around good, for Audio Quality to the total value.
The Bad:
The mic is weak…

The Ugly:
It has been out of stock on amazon for a while now and there is currently no date for when it will be in stock.

Where to buy:
Amazon though it is currently out of stock.



5. Google Chromecast (2nd Gen)
We haven’t done a review on the Google Chromecast yet but we can honestly say it is an amazing device and if you own a smartphone especially an Android device you should own one.

The Good:
The price of the Google Chromecast non-4K is great. They are going for $35 USD but I believe you can find some a bit cheaper, now that it has been replaced by the 4K model. Streaming anything that is on your phone or your Google Chrome tab.

The Bad:
You need an external power source. These also require a private internet connection, so travelers like me can't really use them in hotel rooms…

The Ugly
The 1st GEN Chromecast was ugly as sin…

Where to buy:

4. Vizio SB3821-C6
This is an audio sound bar that is used in conjunction or to replace your current likely , tinny sounding speakers that come stock on flat screen TVs. Even better it comes with a wireless sub-woofer that will add a thump to your entertainment.

The Good:
Great Inexpensive sound bar. It comes with all the connectors that you would need.

The Bad:
It would sync up with my other remotes so it adds yet another remote to my entertainment room.

The Ugly:
The box is shaped funny…

Where to buy:


3. Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
This is pretty self explanatory. I wanted to upgrade my PS4 but didn’t want to drop the $400 on the PS4 Pro. You can’t go wrong with the price tag of $249.99 on Black Friday.

The Good:
The price is probably the best thing about the PS4 Slim. There are a few other pluses like being smaller and quieter. We haven’t reviewed it yet but may in the future.

The Bad:
You get fewer ports with this one.

The Ugly:
The Light bar is now gone, but they did kinda incorporate it in the power button. Definitely not as cool.

Where to buy:

.2. Microsoft Xbox One S
Like the PS4 is console is to replace the aging beta max box, I mean the Xbox One. I also purchased this on Black Friday for $249.99. We also haven’t reviewed this product yet but may in the future.

The Good:
Price and Xbox Live still feels light-years ahead of PSN and whatever you want to call what Nintendo is offering,  HDR Gaming, 4K Blu-Ray Player, 4K Streaming, at the same $249 price tag of the PS4. Eat that Sony!!!

The Bad:
Of all the ports to remove they chose to remove the Kinect port. Hello Dongles

The Ugly:
When you realize that Microsoft only really wanted to use the Kinect to activate Cortana and spy on you in your house… (Joking on the last part… or am I?)

When to buy:

1. Sony KDL40W600B 1080P TV
This is a Sony 1080p TV packed with tons of smart features including LED Edge lit display as well as internet enable streaming apps like Netflix & Hulu. It also allows you to play PS3 games without a PS3 via PlayStation Now.

The Good:
Great Picture Quality for a 1080p TV, and loaded with features.

The Bad:
UI is clunky and slow…

The Ugly:
So is still using this UI on some of their newer TVs? Android TV is the way to go guys…

Where to buy:

Comments