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Reviewed.com Weekly Tech Roundup: March 14, 2014

Mammoth headphones, the California drought's effect on our diet, and the five-second rule: all in our roundup!

The Reviewed.com Weekly Tech Roundup, March 14 Credit:

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

This week, we reviewed some real winners, from a monster pair of Denon headphones, to a superb French-door fridge, and a unique waterproof camera. And everyone needs a stylish bag to throw that camera into, right? Well, check out our review of the gorgeous ONA Brixton camera bag, which easily justifies its hefty price tag.

But we didn't spend the whole week reviewing hot new tech, oh no: Our news and features team delved deep into the science behind the mythical "five-second rule", examined the effects of the California drought on our diet, and interviewed a leading expert on the subject of internet trolls. But that's not all. We also took a glance at the Jacksonville Jaguars' mammoth new LED displays and offered some advice on how to clean your gadgets without destroying them.

For more reviews, news, features, and videos about consumer tech, head on over to Reviewed.com.


The Nikon AW1 Goes Where No High-End Camera Has Gone Before

Nikon's 1-series mirrorless cameras haven't exactly set the photography world on fire, having been thoroughly overshadowed by competitors from Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic. But the 1 Series has always had a few unique tricks up its sleeve. And the new Nikon 1 AW1 (MSRP $799.95) packs one heck of a new trick: It can go underwater, up to 50 feet.

Waterproof cameras have traditionally been poor performers, either due to their compromised design or their low price point. The AW1 produces sharper, clearer shots than any waterproof digital camera that came before it, but it still can't quite hang with the best cameras in its class—especially in dim light. For truly adventurous travelers, the AW1 is a great pick. For everyone else, a more powerful DSLR or mirrorless model might be a better choice.


Epic California Drought Could Change the Way We Eat

If you've been paying attention to the news, you've probably heard about the historic drought plaguing California. What you might not have heard is how dependent Americans are on the produce the Golden State produces, and how much of its water goes into the agriculture business.

A new report has shown just how demanding California's crops are on the water supply, and suggests that it might not be wise for the U.S. to place all of its eggs in one (bread)basket. It also underscores the importance of reducing water consumption in every aspect of our lives, and highlights growing concerns over water scarcity.


Kenmore's 72013 Refrigerator Strikes a Balance Between Value and Luxury

Value is a pretty flexible term. Most people wouldn't consider a fridge that costs more than two grand to be a great value, but in our opinion, the Kenmore 72013 (MSRP $2,309.99) absolutely qualifies.

The reason is simple: This refrigerator offers high-end performance, stylish stainless-steel looks, and convenient French door construction. A water dispenser, ice maker, a temperature scale with actual degrees on the dial, and pun-tastic features like the quick-chilling "Grocery Savor" are nice bonuses. Better still, it can be had for as little as $1,700 if you shop around at your local Sears.


Taming the Trolls: An Interview With Web Culture Guru Joseph Reagle

Unless you're accessing this roundup from a potato, you've probably experienced the destructive behavior of online trolls. They infest comment sections across the web, distracting from legitimate discussions and lobbing insults at any and all who dare to cross their path. But what can be done about them? They're just a side effect of our right to free speech, right?

We talked with Northeastern University professor Joseph Reagle, who has a forthcoming book on the subject: Reading the Comments: Likers, Haters, and Manipulators at the Bottom of the Net. Our conversation was far-reaching, covering the right to internet anonymity, the psychology behind internet abuse, and what can be done to prevent it. Come along with us, won't you?


These Denon Headphones Sound Great, But Will They Fit Your Head?

If you're looking for a pair of over-ear headphones that provide a reference-quality soundstage—one free of bass distortion and crowded notes—look no further than the Denon AH-D7100 (MSRP $1,199). But if you want a pair that fit your noggin? Well, you might need to look elsewhere.

We loved nearly everything about these headphones, from their supremely clean sound quality, to their plush leather, to their mahogany details. Neat extras include a removable Y-cable, an in-line remote that works with iOS and Android, and low impedance that means you can use these high-end cans with your portable media devices. But they're just so big! No matter how much we tightened them, we couldn't get them to fit our heads. Football players might love 'em, but we were left nonplussed.


Jacksonville Jaguars to Get World's Largest LED Screens

The Jags might not be the best team in the NFL, or the best-loved, or the most-watched... far from it, in fact. But they're soon to have the biggest screens in any NFL stadium. In fact, they're going to have the biggest HD LED screens in the world—two of them. How big, you ask? A massive 362 feet wide.

Positioned in each of EverBank Field's end zones, the screens will be huge enough to show three HD video feeds side-by-side, plus a 44-foot-wide scoreboard. As our commenters helpfully suggested, perhaps the scoreboard operators can show some NFL Films classics to keep the fans entertained during another brutal season. Good luck, Jags!


A Camera Bag That's Beautiful + Built to Last

If you're going to spend $1,000 or more on your camera kit, you should probably let it travel in style. What's another $300 for a high-end camera bag if you're going with Leica or a full-frame DSLR? For you moneybags photographers, here's a bag for your expensive gear: the ONA Brixton (MSRP $279.99).

The Brixton looks like something your dad would have owned—and we mean that in the nicest possible way. It just has that air of rugged authenticity about it. But on the inside, it's as modern as any other camera bag, with velcro dividers and all. It's also perfectly sized, with enough room for a 15-inch laptop, a reasonably sized camera, and at least a couple lenses. The price may be high, but we'd be hard-pressed to find a camera bag we like more.


Great News, Everybody: The Five-Second Rule Is Real

Okay, okay... we believe you. You've never eaten food off the floor. But a new study from Aston University in England reveals that 87% of your fellow humans would, or already have. Still going to stick to that line? Well, fine.

Poll results aside, the study also focused on more scientific analysis. Through some careful lab testing, Professor Anthony Hilton and his final year biology students determined that not only does the amount of time food is on the floor make a difference in whether or not it picks up dangerous bacteria, but the floor type and kind of food matter as well. For all the gory details, check out our full write-up.


How to Clean Your Gadgets Without Destroying Them

Your food isn't the only thing that can get filthy. You spend all day touching your favorite tech gadgets, so they accumulate all kinds of nastiness, too.

From E. coli bacteria to skin, dust, and food crumbs, it can be tough to keep your laptop, phone, or tablet clean. But don't worry, we're here with a handy guide to how you can get them looking spic 'n' span without risking their untimely death. If you're worried about your health, or the health of your gear, you owe it to yourself to read this detailed cleaning walkthrough.

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