Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say, the rest is history. When Rick isn't creating content for Digital Trends, he spends his free time consuming any and all sports, filling his ears with music, and in a constant search for the best IPA the NW has to offer.
The best electric bikes for 2019
The best electric bikes for 2019
A capable electric bike is perfect for a daily commute or trek along the trailhead. From Specialized to Giant, these are the best e-bikes currently available.
How VAR and instant replay have transformed the 2018 World Cup (so far)
How VAR and instant replay have transformed the 2018 World Cup (so far)
For years, FIFA attempted to keep replay technology off the soccer field. However, in 2018, the Video Assistant Referee (or VAR) system made its long-awaited debut and has impacted nearly every match at the Russia-hosted World Cup. Here's every notable match where VAR influenced its outcome.
Light on range and weight, the AM1 ebike is the perfect commuter
Light on range and weight, the AM1 ebike is the perfect commuter
Weighing just 30 pounds, the AM1 ebike from Analog Motion is a minimal and lightweight commuter bike that won't break the bank at just $665. However, its small battery offers riders just 20 miles in range, meaning it's not built for weekend excursions or long trips to the office.
Easily transform your boring bike into an ebike with the GeoOrbital Wheel
Easily transform your boring bike into an ebike with the GeoOrbital Wheel
Transform your regular bike into an eBike in under 60 seconds with the GeoOrbital wheel, an electric modification that snaps on in place of the front wheel.
The best camping hacks
The best camping hacks
There are plenty of clever ways to make life a bit easier when adventuring in the great outdoors. From basic kindling alternatives and pint-sized emergency kits to the best way to keep your gear dry and how to properly treat mosquito bites, here are the best camping hacks for your next outing.
NFC tech in official World Cup match ball draws fans even more into the games
NFC tech in official World Cup match ball draws fans even more into the games
To get soccer enthusiasts more involved in the upcoming World Cup tournament, Adidas teamed up with the software company BlueBite to outfit the official match ball with NFC compatibility, giving fans access to exclusive content and unique daily challenges by simply scanning the chip with a smartphone.
Nissan’s Pitch-R robot is here to put field stripers out of work
Nissan’s Pitch-R robot is here to put field stripers out of work
Striping baseball and soccer fields with chalk or spray paint is as old as the sports themselves but Nissan's hoping to upend the centuries-old practice with the Pitch-R. Capable of autonomously striping a field in 20 minutes or less, the Pitch-R first debuted during May's Champions League Final.
Fitbit Versa vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Which should you wear?
Fitbit Versa vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Which should you wear?
In a battle of smartwatch flagships, we pit Fitbit's newest product, the Versa, against Apple's latest in smartwatch technology -- the Apple Watch Series 3. How well does the fitness-tracking giant's second attempt at a full-featured smartwatch fare against Apple's tried and true wearable?
Electric mountain bikes are turning purist scoffs into smiles
Electric mountain bikes are turning purist scoffs into smiles
Electric mountain bikes get a bad rap among loyal mountain bikers, but brands like BMC Switzerland can’t afford to look away. While test riding BMC’s new Speedfox amp, we realized there’s much more to electric mountain bikes than what ornery traditionalists let on.
Suunto 3 Fitness Review
Suunto 3 Fitness Review
To stay relevant, fitness tracker brands need an ace in the hole. For the new Suunto 3 Fitness, this comes in the form of Adaptive Training Guidance. A feature designed to put a personal trainer on your wrist and develop custom weekly workout plans – and it’s as impressive as it is innovative.
Forget plastic — Glowforge 3D laser printer builds with wood, fabric, leather
Forget plastic — Glowforge 3D laser printer builds with wood, fabric, leather
Seattle-based Glowforge unveiled its innovative 3D laser printer which utilizes subtractive manufacturing instead of using additives, meaning it has the ability to carve and etch almost any material. Instead of printing with additives, it cuts away at supplied materials to produce almost anything you want.
Fitbit Versa vs. Fitbit Blaze: Is the new watch worth the upgrade?
Fitbit Versa vs. Fitbit Blaze: Is the new watch worth the upgrade?
With the Fitbit Versa hitting shelves in April of 2018, the buzz around the brand's latest smartwatch hit a fever pitch. But, how does it compare to the Fitbit Blaze that came before it? We stack the two side-by-side to see which Fitbit wearable reigns supreme in this spec showdown.
GenZe ebike 200 Series review
GenZe ebike 200 Series review
Sporting a price tag under $2,000, GenZe’s 200-series is one of the most cost-effective ebikes on the market. But with a range that tops out at 50 miles (at best), does this throttle-assisted electric bike have what it takes to stay competitive in a growing market? We took one for a spin around our hometown of Portland, Oregon to find out.
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music review
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music review
Garmin’s latest wearable, the Forerunner 645 Music, is a full-featured fitness tracker that doubles as an impressive smartwatch. Featuring offline music streaming and storage, as well as the ability to make contactless payments, it’s a true jack-of-all-trades.
Under Armour: 150 million MyFitnessPal accounts were hacked
Under Armour: 150 million MyFitnessPal accounts were hacked
Under Armour announced a hack of its MyFitnessPal exercise application, saying that as many as 150 million user accounts were compromised. The breached data includes names, email addresses, and passwords but no financial data.
Video of skilift malfunction shows skiers being violently flung into the air
Video of skilift malfunction shows skiers being violently flung into the air
At the Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia, an unexpected chairlift malfunction sent unsuspecting skiers sailing into the air.
Specialized recalls more than 13,000 bikes due to faulty forks
Specialized recalls more than 13,000 bikes due to faulty forks
Faulty forks in its 2018 Allez line of road bikes has led Specialized to recall roughly 13,000 bicycles worldwide. Specialized said it will replace and install new forks for free.
Pedal with the energy of the sun on Kvaern’s solar-powered ebike
Pedal with the energy of the sun on Kvaern’s solar-powered ebike
Powered by a stationary, solar-powered battery pack, Kvaern's latest ebike utilizes 100 percent solar energy for power, offering owners a unique way to remain off-grid while riding their electric bike.
See better, play better. A simple philosophy belies complex tech in Adidas glasses
See better, play better. A simple philosophy belies complex tech in Adidas glasses
There's more to a proper pair of sports eyewear than simply protecting against the sun. Ron Muehlboeck, global brand director for adidas Sport eyewear, gave us an inside look at how the brand pushes innovation and offers more than just dark lenses.
Head teams with controversial sport sensor brand Zepp on new tennis tracker
Head teams with controversial sport sensor brand Zepp on new tennis tracker
Racquet sports company Head recently unveiled the Head Tennis Sensor, a digital coach and tennis tracker it designed and manufactured with the help of the sports sensor brand, Zepp.
Columbia’s oddly effective new winter gear had us sweating in minus temperatures
Columbia’s oddly effective new winter gear had us sweating in minus temperatures
Comprised of a similar reflective technology seen in NASA space blankets, Columbia Sportswear's upcoming winter apparel line excels at keeping body temperatures high when exterior temperatures are zero or below.
First, LifeStraw conquered bacteria and chemicals. Now it’s getting the lead out
First, LifeStraw conquered bacteria and chemicals. Now it’s getting the lead out
LifeStraw's dedication to providing safe drinking water to people all over the world took another step forward at Outdoor Retailer as the brand unveiled its new lead filtration system.
Spy Ace EC electronic ski goggles change tints with the tap of a button
Spy Ace EC electronic ski goggles change tints with the tap of a button
With the simple press of a button, Spy's new Ace EC goggles transition between sunny, mixed, and flat weather conditions, giving riders complete control over their visibility.
Short film celebrates first female pro skateboarder signed by Adidas
Short film celebrates first female pro skateboarder signed by Adidas
To celebrate the signing of Nora Vasconcellos, its first female pro skateboarder, Adidas put together a fascinating 20-minute documentary.
Airstream Basecamp is back for those seeking a smaller, more affordable trailer
Airstream Basecamp is back for those seeking a smaller, more affordable trailer
The updated Airstream Basecamp earned rave reviews last year, and now the travel trailer has finally come to market.
Best outdoor product of 2017
Best outdoor product of 2017
We hiked, biked, camped, and backpacked our way through 2017, toting an array of outdoor gear along the way. Here is our Best Outdoor Product of the Year.
Professional skier Troy Murphy ditched his digs for a month to embrace van life
Professional skier Troy Murphy ditched his digs for a month to embrace van life
For a month, U.S. Ski Team freestyle skier Troy Murphy gathered some friends, hopped in a van, and explored Alaska's Chugach Mountains.
Drone footage of an insane big-wave surf rescue will make you kiss dry land
Drone footage of an insane big-wave surf rescue will make you kiss dry land
Big wave surfing is as white-knuckle as it gets but this drone-shot video of an intense rescue at Portugal's Praia do Norte is jaw-dropping.
Comfort or performance? Under Armour’s high-tech foam gives runners both
Comfort or performance? Under Armour’s high-tech foam gives runners both
At its new Portland, Oregon headquarters, Under Armour and its group of athletes and Olympians unveiled the new Hovr running shoe.
From Utah to Finland, “This is Home” hits the slopes for white-knuckle skiing
From Utah to Finland, “This is Home” hits the slopes for white-knuckle skiing
Filmed in its entirety during the 2016-17 ski season, "This is Home" follows the Faction Collective to the mountains they consider home.
Using pulleys and strings, the Stringbike ditches the chain — and the grease
Using pulleys and strings, the Stringbike ditches the chain — and the grease
Lacking a conventional chain and cog system, the Stringbike's drive system instead uses a series of strings and pulleys.
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro review
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro review
Sleek and stylish in design, Samsung’s latest wearable improves its impressive Gear line of fitness trackers, and our Gear Fit2 Pro review explains how.
NASA describes its plan for reaching Mars, but timing could be challenging
NASA describes its plan for reaching Mars, but timing could be challenging
After publishing a 36-page report last year on its ambitious Journey to Mars, NASA shared more of its work during a recent two-day event in New Orleans.
Legs of Steel ski team builds ‘biggest jump ever’ for new film
Legs of Steel ski team builds ‘biggest jump ever’ for new film
Red Bull's latest stunt comes by way of the high-octane film, "Same Difference," which follows the Legs of Steel ski team across the globe.