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The AudioQuest DragonFly is a USB-powered (it doesn't use batteries or an external power supply) digital-to-analog converter. I usually need some time to get a handle on the sound of a component, but within minutes of plugging in the tiny $249 DAC I knew exactly what made it so special. It sounds clear and clean, so there's less standing between the music and my ears.

The DragonFly is a bona fide audio component, designed by Gordon Rankin, a man known in audiophile circles as a great tube electronics engineer, but Rankin is also a computer audio guy. He's one of the few DAC designers with equal depth of knowledge in analog and digital audio technology.… Read more

Foursquare has added a new feature to its app and Web site called Connected Apps. Basically, it's a showcase of apps that got a head-start on using the Foursquare API. In the choices you'll see apps such as: The Weather Channel, Instagram, and Eat This, Not That!

When you check in to a location, you'll see the Connected Apps information right below Foursquare tips from other users. Ready to add some to your Foursquare and check them out? Here's how:

Step 1: Open the Foursquare app and head to the Me … Read more

There are many customizations you can make to Google products on the Web. Unfortunately, the omnipresent navigation bar doesn't fall into that category (as easily).

You may not even use some of the services that are linked in the navigation bar; or worse, ones you use are swept off into the drop-down menu. With a Chrome extension, Big G Black Bar Sorter, you can order the products any way you like -- putting the stuff you use just one click away. Here's how:

Step 2: … Read more

You might remember a while back when you picked your custom Facebook username. This username appears in your Facebook (vanity) URL, Facebook e-mail address, and it can even be used as your log in to save keystrokes. At the time, Facebook led you to believe that the username couldn't be changed once you picked it. Well, surprise, that wasn't actually the case.

It seems there is a one-time switch allowed, and as long as you haven't exercised this privilege yet, you're able to pick something new. If you never picked a username to begin … Read more

Google+, the social network Google is integrating into almost all of its other Web services, is rolling out a new feature today: Events. The idea is to make scheduling events and keeping track of the details (attendees, photos, etc.) a breeze.

Creating an event To create an event, simply head to your Google+ page. Click on Events in the left-hand side menu to open the details window.

There are a lot of stock pictures with small animations -- called "cinegraphs" -- added by default in the theme section at the top of the window, and they look pretty … Read more

Since in-ear headphones sit in or near the ear canal, they don't interact with the pinna, the bends and curves of the outer ear that direct sound to the ear canal. The pinna also serves as an acoustic filter, enhancing the frequency range of human speech, and it also supplies directional cues, so we can localize where sound is coming from. That's how our ears and brains process sound in real life, but in-ear headphones don't interact with the pinna, so they can't sound as realistic as full-size headphones or speakers. In-ears can still sound great, … Read more

The Internet is ever-changing, and YouTube is no exception. With Google's switch to a more minimal homepage design, it comes as no surprise that YouTube will be following that path as well. The changes aren't too dramatic, but they seem to help streamline user interaction with each video page. So instead of waiting for the newest YouTube remodel, why not take a look at it now? Here's how to get started:

Note: The following instructions have only been tested for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Open your browser of choice and open any video … Read more

MightyText is similar to iMessage, except for Android. You can send SMS from your computer or tablet (all you need is a Web browser), and still use your own phone number. You'll also be able to screen incoming calls by seeing the caller information on the computer. This is also a great way to stay in touch with friends and family if you forget your phone at home or work and can't run off to get it right away.

Note: You will need a Google account to use this app. The account is used for syncing access from … Read more

All of Apple's computers feature a headphone jack or sound output of some kind, but only a few of them offer a recording input. The iMac includes one, as well as the 15-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Pro desktop, but you won't find one on the MacBook Air, Retina MacBook Pro, or the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

So what's an audio geek to do (aside from invest in a decent USB sound card)?

Well, in the case of the 13-inch MacBook Pro (old and new), Apple includes the option of a switchable audio port than can be … Read more