Frank Spinillo

Editor, Database Operations

Frank got early exposure to technology thanks to a trusty Packard Bell Legend, which later lead to many years of working on computers. After a brief stint in teaching, Frank went back to the IT world as a junior system administrator. Since 2011 he has been working on and helping maintain the product database. If he's not tracking down the latest gadget specs, he's likely yelling about baseball or Formula 1, cycling, or trying to nail down his coffee pour-over technique.

Articles by Frank Spinillo

IRL: Keeping a journal with Day One
Trying to keep a journal has always been difficult for me. Before the age of smartphones, I tried to rely on text files or a physical notepad. If I wasn't forgetting to write down my thoughts, I was losing the file or my handwriting was so bad it would make a doctor jealous. I did the LiveJournal thing, too, except it fostered too many passive-aggressive entries. Finally, while browsing the App Store I come across an interesting-looking piece of software called Day One. The features, design and presentation prompted me to give journaling another go. And I'm glad I did.
Sound off! What are your favorite features in iOS 8?
iOS 8 is finally here, and it's bringing a slew of new features. It's faster, more secure, and in a lot of ways, more like Android. Out of all the new bells and whistles what are your favorite new additions? Head over to the forums and let the community know what you're digging most about iOS 8. When you're done there don't forget to write your own review! We'll be rounding up the best of the best in an upcoming post. Photos by Will Lipman.
Feedback Loop: 'Minecraft,' home security, iPhones and more!
Happy Sunday, and welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! By now, you're probably sick of hearing about the Apple Watch. Thankfully, though, our community members have some great discussions for you this week. To kick things off, we're talking about the implications Microsoft's potential purchase of developer Mojang could have on the indie community favorite Minecraft. Once you're done kvetching over Microsoft's latest pursuit, let us know which apps help keep your busy life on task and whether or not you're happy with the current selection of smart lock solutions.
Feedback Loop: Online security, the Note Edge, fitness trackers and more!
Happy Saturday, and welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! With all the talk of online data breaches this week, we're discussing ways to better protect your data stored in the cloud. After you're done auditing your passwords, let us know what you think of Samsung's new curved Galaxy Note Edge and find out how much fitness trackers are helping your fellow readers. Make yourself comfy and join us after the break for some in-depth tech talk.
Feedback Loop: UI annoyances, remotes and speed-reading apps!
Happy Saturday! Welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! This week we're talking about those minor user interface quirks that just really grind our gears. Once you're done letting the hate flow, find out whether or not speed-reading apps are worth your time and let people know if you actually use your smartphone as a remote. So get comfy and grab some coffee. Then tell us what works for you and get some advice from fellow readers.
IRL: Tracking bike rides with the Garmin Edge 510
I'm all about minimizing the amount of stuff I need to carry with me, which is why smartphones have been great -- they can double as a camera and even a portable gaming handheld. But when it comes to riding my bike, I still prefer a dedicated device. This is why I picked up a Garmin Edge 510, and now I don't think I'd ever go back to using a smartphone to track my workouts.
Feedback Loop: obscure TV channels, what's in your bag and more!
Happy Saturday! Welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! This week we're exploring obscure TV channels, the gadgets you travel with and just how much space is too much on your phone. So sit back, get comfy and get ready to talk with fellow readers.
Feedback Loop: Favorite keyboards, dash cam options and podcasts
Happy Saturday! Here's a fresh edition of Feedback Loop, so grab your coffee and dive in! This week we're talking about our favorite keyboards, which dash cams are the best, the podcasts we're currently listening to and USB cables.
Feedback Loop: Digital note-taking, digital picture frame hacking and more!
Happy Saturday! Here's a fresh edition of Feedback Loop for your reading pleasure. We have some great discussions this week including help with converting digital notes, hacking old digital photo frames and suggestions for AirPrint-compatible printers.
Never leave bullet time in SUPERHOT, a unique take on first person shooters
Unlike your typical first-person shooter, in SUPERHOT, time only moves when you move. This gives you the ability to strategically plan out your approach. If you've played Braid before, the mechanics will feel familiar, as elements of the game speed up and slow down with each step forward or back. After completing the 7 Day First Person Shooter challenge, an event where teams from all over come together to build a new FPS in just a week, the team moved onto Steam's Greenlight program, where it made it through in just a weekend. Now they're turning to Kickstarter to help move the game further along. After just a few hours, they're on their way to reaching their funding goal of $100,000. If you're on the fence about helping out, you can try your hand at slowing enemies and bullets to a crawl with a browser-based demo. SUPERHOT isn't the first game to use bullet time (remember Max Payne?), but the game offers a fresh spin on an otherwise repetitive genre. Who knows, maybe the game can even teach Zack Snyder a thing or two about slow-motion action scenes.
IRL: Letting IFTTT automate my life
I've come to rely on different services to help power me through the day: Foursquare to find new coffee shops, Pocket for my reading habits and Instagram and Flickr for photo sharing. As great as these apps are, though, I find myself wishing they could do more -- especially when it comes to how they all talk to each other. Being programming-inclined, I've been turning to If This Then That (IFTTT) to connect these various services, as well as automate some of my more basic tasks.
Getting to know the new Engadget
If you haven't noticed, Engadget has some new digs and there's a lot more going on than a fresh look. While you kick back and recover from holiday feasting, it's time to start thinking about what you're buying friends and family this year. We've got a suite of new tools to help make the shopping process a bit less painful. There's a lot to digest, but we've put together a helpful guide explaining all of Engadget's new features. Read on for everything you need to know.