Logitech introduces new Wired Keyboard for iPad

By Cody Lee on May 22, 2013

Wireless Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad are a dime a dozen these days. It seems like everyone makes them, including Kensington, Targus, and Belkin. In fact, ZAGG just launched a pair of new ones yesterday in the form of the Cover and the Folio.

But what you don’t see everyday are wired keyboards for the iPad, like this one that Logitech just unveiled. The Wired Keyboard is durable, spill-resistant, doesn’t require Bluetooth pairing or batteries, and comes in both 30-pin and Lightning flavors… Read More

 

Square’s stylish Stand accessory taps iPad to reinvent the cash register

By Christian Zibreg on May 14, 2013

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey’s other startup, the payment service Square, today announced an interesting hardware dubbed the Square Stand. The all-white stylish accessory lets merchants run their business from an iPad and requires the Square Register iPad app to process payments. The Stand shouldn’t be confused with the Business in a Box, Square’s $299 (and up) bundle that incorporates an uglier iPad stand, cash drawer and an optional receipt printer… Read More

 

USPTO publishes Apple’s extensive Lightning connector patent

By Ed Sutherland on May 9, 2013

Much has been written about Apple’s new Lightning connector, introduced with the iPhone 5 to supercede the aging 30-pin Dock connection. Thursday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office published three Apple patent filings from 2012 detailing how the Lightning connector is built. Among the questions addressed: how did Apple create an “orientation agnostic” connector design while also ensuring stability and proper alignment? Read More

 

Apple patents smart audio splitter

By Ed Sutherland on May 7, 2013

Many of us have shared a pair of earbuds with a friend. The problem crops up when you enjoy rocking out at max volume while your friend enjoys a more modest audio level. Enter Apple with what’s essentially an intelligent audio splitter.

Instead of enduring the default sound level of the iPhone or iPod, an adapter envisioned by Apple would allow you to customize your individual audio, according to a patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tuesday.

Additionally, the headphone splitter would permit two people to use built-in mics to speak over the soundtrack, opening up some wild possibilities with gaming… Read More

 

Adobe unveils new iPad-friendly Bluetooth stylus and digital ruler

By Cody Lee on May 6, 2013

 Adobe announced a number of new products and changes to its current lineup today, during a keynote at its MAX conference. The company is ditching its Creative Suite, and turning its focus to a new cloud-based platform it’s calling CC.

In addition to the software announcements, Adobe also showed off new hardware today. And there are two products that we’re particularly interested in, an iPad-friendly smart stylus code-named “Project Mighty,” and a digital ruler… Read More

 

Accessories makers embracing Bluetooth to side-step Lightning, AirPlay and Apple exclusivity

By Ed Sutherland on May 6, 2013

A growing trend by accessory makers to adopt wireless connections could disconnect Apple from a significant source of revenue. In a departure from the days of the iPod, where accessories such as speakers were designed with 30-pin connections fitting only Apple devices, add-on device manufacturers are have increasingly been turning to Bluetooth for some time to connect a growing number of mobile devices – many not made by Apple.

The reason for the transition includes the rise of Samsung, Amazon and other iPhone and iPad rivals, along with the feeling Apple kept secret from accessory makers its new Lightning connection. As a result, some of the largest accessory makers are turning to the wireless Bluetooth standard to avoid any more surprises from Apple, according to the New York Times… Read More

 

Apple’s battery patents hint at rounded gizmos

By Ed Sutherland on May 2, 2013

The days of boxy computers are history, so why are the batteries which power them still the same shape? That’s the question a pair of new Apple patent applications seek to answer. The patents filed in 2011 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describe “non-rectangular batteries for portable devices.”

The iPhone and iPad maker outlines a way to customize the shape of batteries to fit the flexibility of today’s consumer electronics, including the growing array of wearable devices, such as the highly-discussed iWatch or Google’s Glass eyewear… Read More

 

MirrorCase shoots video while iPad rests laid flat

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 30, 2013

RHP Multimedia launched its MirrorCase for iPhone in May 2012. The iPhone 4/4S (a $49.95 value) and iPhone 5 case ($59.95 value) works with a free companion iOS app to let you take pictures and record video while continuing to use your device. It also doubles as an ergonomic shoulder rest for extended phone conversations. Today, the company on Kickstarter announced an iPad version of MirrorCase. What’s in it for you? Read on… Read More

 

Review: Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad

By Jeff Benjamin on Apr 29, 2013

As someone who’s relegated the full sized iPad to the back burner, it’s admittedly a bit awkward to pull this thing back out. But the folks at Belkin have a new product for me to try, and it looks cool enough to convince me to dust off my iPad 3.

Belkin is no stranger when it comes to iOS accessories, but this — the Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad — is perhaps its most thoughtful. The case, which officially launches in May, was created for people who want to get things done on their full sized iPads. It works with any currently available full-sized iPad, including the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad 4. It’s not the prettiest keyboard case on the block, and perhaps not the most durable, but it screams functionality.

Belkin sent me a product sample about a month ago, and I decided that I was going to put this thing through the paces. Instead of using it for a few days and reviewing it, I wanted to see if the case actually lived up to its moniker. Read More

 

Logitech unveils Surface-like $149 FabricSkin Keyboard Folio

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 23, 2013

A month ago, accessory maker Logitech launched colorful new Keyboard Folios for iPads. Prior to that, the company announced the Ultrathin Keyboard for the iPad mini (our own Jeff Benjamin liked it) and a solar-powered Bluetooth keyboard which doubles as an iPad protective sleeve.

Tapping all that expertise and knowledge and taking a page from Microsoft’s book, logitech today announced new iPad keyboard covers which behave a lot like Microsoft’s Touch Cover and Type Cover for the Surface tablet.

These new covers are available with or without built-in keyboard, come in a range of colors and are billed as the first Bluetooth keyboard solution with keys seamlessly fused into its interior fabric.

I’ve included more information and two nice promo clips so jump past the fold to learn more about these Surface-like iPad cases… Read More

 

Avid launches iOS-compatible audio interfaces

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 8, 2013

Avid, a highly regarded name among pro audio engineers, today announced a pair of mobile audio interfaces with native support for Apple’s iOS platform and the iPad. The Avid Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo let you record your guitar, vocals and other instruments through a high-quality mic pres and inputs and tight integration with its Pro Tools Express suite for Mac or Windows PCs. Each interface has a bus-powered USB port on it and allows for a direct iPad connection without the need for Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit interface… Read More

 

Jony Ive envisions mail window, media controls and more for iPad’s Smart Cover

By Ed Sutherland on Apr 4, 2013

Who thought Apple’s Smart Cover, first designed to simply protect the iPad screen without adding too much bulk to the device’s form factor, would grow to become another platform for the firm’s design guru, Jony Ive? A new patent application which identifies Ive as one of the inventors suggests the Smart Cover could become a mini screen, displaying new email and controlling music playback, among other possibilities.

In a patent filing published earlier this week by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Apple includes a redesigned Smart Cover which includes buttons to control your iTunes playback, along with a window where you can quickly check new e-mails or incoming texts… Read More

 

Wacom introduces new 1.85-inch Bamboo Stylus Mini

By Cody Lee on Apr 2, 2013

Who holds the title for the best iPad stylus is still up for debate. There are dozens to choose from, and it seems like everyone has their favorites. But there are a few frontrunners in the pack, and one of them is Wacom’s Bamboo Stylus.

The Verge says the Bamboo is “the best stylus you can buy for your iPad,” and FiftyThree, the creators of paper, endorse it on their website. And today, Wacom has released a new version of the popular stylus: the Bamboo Mini… Read More

 

The Sensu Brush will change your uncool stylus stereotypes

By Jim Gresham on Mar 28, 2013

When I think of a stylus, I immediately jump to this image in my head of a nerd wearing something like a Best Buy Geek Squad suit with thick glasses and black rims. On the weekend this person likes to configure Punnett squares with the probabilities of his offspring’s hair color instead of actually dating. Obviously he lists Binary as his second language on the resume.

Anyway, I’m here to break this stereotype. Not that I exude coolness or a hip, forward lifestyle, but I like to think I’m not a pocket protecting member of the nerd herd. Sensu is a cool stylus and after about 500 words, I think you will agree… Read More

 

Belkin launches new Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad

By Cody Lee on Mar 27, 2013

Belkin today announced the online availability of its newest iPad accessory, the Ultimate Keyboard Case. Well, it’s available for pre-order today, and will start shipping to select retailers in May.

So what’s so special about the Ultimate Keyboard Case? With a keyboard that is just 6.4mm thin and weighing 17 oz, it’s now the slimmest and lightest keyboard folio of its kind on the market… Read More

 

Logitech unveils colorful new Keyboard Folios for iPad and iPad mini

By Christian Zibreg on Mar 26, 2013

Logitech today launched two new interesting accessories for your iPad: the Keyboard Folio and Keyboard Folio Mini. As the names suggest, the former is for your full-size 9.7-inch iPad and the latter is for its little brother, the 7.9-inch iPad mini. These act as both a protective cover which attaches to your device magnetically and a physical Bluetooth-enabled keyboard with custom iPad shortcuts. Additionally, a hands-free flip stand props up your device in two comfortable viewing angles… Read More

 

Review: Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini

By Jeff Benjamin on Mar 18, 2013

My goal was to type more efficiently on my iPad mini, without sacrificing the device’s portability. I also wanted a keyboard that would actually improve my typing ability, not hinder it. I found such a product with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini.

I know — that’s a whole lot of name for such a diminutive product. Let’s just call it the Ultrathin mini hereafter, shall we? Good. Let’s talk about what makes this little device so special, and how it has significantly improved my iPad mini based workflow. Read More

 

Seagate dominates the mobile storage competition with 1TB Wireless Plus

By Jim Gresham on Mar 14, 2013

After meeting with Seagate at CES, I was excited to get my paws on their new Wireless Plus, which is big brother to the recently retired and previously reviewed GoFlex Satellite. We all need our digital content on the go and, often, our iOS devices do not have enough room. I know my 16GB are carefully utilized on both iPad mini and iPhone. Toting around a Wi-Fi enabled 1TB Seagate drive prevents the need for choosing which media to bring along. Just drag and drop your media file to the Wireless Plus and walk out the door… Read More

 

Twelve South launches sleek BookArc stand for iPad mini

By Christian Zibreg on Mar 12, 2013

Twelve South makes some of the finest and most beautifully designed accessories for Apple gear, such as its highly-regarded BookBook case series for the MacBook Air, iPad mini, iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, the premium, nearly invisible SurfacePad iPhone sleeve or the charming PlugBug charging kit.

Today, Twelve South announced an iPad mini variant of its iPad stand. The arc-shaped BookArc stand looks like a piece of sci-fi furniture and is designed (like its MacBook Air counterpart) to support your iPad in either portrait or landscape on a bunch of flat surfaces… Read More

 

New webstore offers all of your favorite Apple-related Kickstarter projects

By Cody Lee on Mar 8, 2013

Are you an iPhone or iPad user who’s always looking for cool new accessories? If so, you might be interested in knowing that there’s a new website out (well, it’s relaunching) that offers a range of Apple add-ons that aren’t typically sold in stores.

The site, called BiteMyApple, is billed as a one-stop accessory shop for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac computers. And its entire inventory is filled with products that were once successful Kickstarter projects. More details after the fold… Read More

 
Page 112345...