Accessories

Roku announces new $50 Apple TV, Chromecast competitor ‘Streaming Stick’

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

As the race for the living room heats up, and rumors of an upcoming Apple TV refresh continue to swirl, Roku has announced its latest entry into the space called the Streaming Stick. The $50 accessory plugs into the HDMI port of your TV and streams a variety of content.

Looking at its size and price tag, the Streaming Stick seems like a direct competitor to Google's Chromecast. But the device features a remote control and on-screen navigational menus, which puts its functionality close to Roku's set-top box, and more on par with Apple TV...

Samsung introduces new ‘Gear Fit’ fitness tracker

Cody Lee ∙ February 25, 2014

As Apple and Google prepare their entries into the rising wearables space, Samsung introduced 3 new products into its already-seasoned line of smartwatches at Mobile World Congress this week. There's the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo, and now we have the Gear Fit.

We've already seen the 2 new Gear watches—they're very similar to their predecessor in that they look, well, like watches. The Gear Fit, however, unveiled yesterday alongside the Galaxy S5, looks more like a cross between a smartwatch and a Fitbit Force fitness band...

Good deal: 32% off OUYA game console bundle

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

A little over a year ago, a new kind of gaming console called the OUYA popped up on Kickstarter and took the crowd-funding site by storm. The project promised to bring all of the benefits of mobile gaming to the living room, and went on to collect more than $8 million.

The OUYA officially hit the market in late 2012, to mix reviews, and has since seen several updates to fix prominent user complaints. So if you've been wanting to try it out, there's never been a better time than now — especially since it's on sale right now over at Stack Social...

Incipio boasts multiple backup power options

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 30, 2016

Right before leaving for CES, I received a survival pack from Incipio. CES survival is not necessarily about human survival, as much as it is about gadget survival. Opening the survival kit revealed an offGRID iPhone 5 Backup Battery Case and the offGRID Portable Backup Battery, both of which came in handy on my trip. An iPhone must eat too and at a large day-long event where signal is weak, battery juice drains like a leaking faucet.

Having portable power is essential when traveling or even if your older iPhone battery is not fit. Long plane rides are murder on an iOS device when chain smoking videos and Infinity Blade III sessions. Save yourself a dead device and take along a backup battery that is light and powerful...

Gearing up for CES 2014: an insider’s outlook

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

The changing of the calendar year marks the beginning of new technologies. Like the rising and falling sun, CES steadfastly holds the first full week in January for announcements and debuts of tech gear, gadgets, and controlled chaos. In a flurry of excitement, tech leaders from around the globe are descending on Las Vegas, which plays host to the giant 150,000+ attendees exhibition.

Leading to the large turn out, 3,200+ exhibitors crowd every single square inch of the Las Vegas Convention center, where I will survive the next week in a tech related stupor. The convention is a pilgrimage, the life long requirement of anyone who considers themselves versed in the tech world. As a second-year attendee, I have a better understanding of the week's events and hope to gather new insight for the upcoming year...

This is your chance to win our stocking stuffer accessory giveaway

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

It is the Christmas time of year and we are having a small celebration here on iDB. With the newly released Evasi0n7 jailbreak, there is plenty of reason for merriment. To share the Christmas excitement, we teamed up with a few companies to offer little stocking stuffers to a lucky reader.

From a small screen cleaner to aluminum earbuds, there is a little something in here for everyone. However, we will picking only one lucky winner to stuff their stocking with all of the items included in the details below...

A quick look at Sensu Solo, the true brush head stylus

Jim Gresham ∙ December 21, 2013

Styli are not the coolest pieces of hardware on the market. In fact, when I think "stylus," nothing cool comes to mind. I never wanted a stylus for my iOS devices, but I used one in the past, circa 2004 on a Windows based device. Those were clearly the bad days of my gadget obsession.

Arguably making things much cooler and more useful, Sensu developed a brush-type stylus for artists and amateurs alike. Popularly known for brush head styli, the company attempts to deliver an authentic experience to the digital marketplace. The goal of their endeavor is to create a "spring and restiveness that feels like real painting" and I would argue, there is certain success with this product...

iDB holiday gift guide 2013: Lory’s picks

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

There is still two weeks until Christmas. If you order gifts online within the next few days, you probably won’t even have to pay extra for expedited shipping. If you are still trying to think of something to buy for the person who has everything, check out our holiday gift guide for ideas. Similar to last year, the writers at iDownloadBlog have compiled a list of favorite gift ideas.

Below is my list of favorites for this year. Basically, I thought of a list of things that, either I own myself and love, or hope someone reading will get for me this year (hint, hint). I’ve included gift ideas for music fans, business minded iPad users, and that special geek in your life...

Review: Armorz tempered glass skin for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ December 12, 2013

Screen protectors are either hit or miss. As a naked iPhone user, I use neither a case, nor a skin. There is too much room for disappointment with many iOS device skins. Consequently, I am a true iPhone nudist. I am however not opposed to giving screen protections a try for review.

Inside, I take a quick look at the Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite Tempered Glass for iPhone 5/c/s. After receiving one from Armorz, I installed it on my wife's 5c and was more impressed than originally anticipated. My wife is still currently enjoying it, even though she prefers a nude iPhone as well. There are all types of screen protection on the market, but the Armorz is my first experience with a tempered glass variety...

Keep accessories handy with the Tangle case

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 4, 2017

On a regular basis, I am always carrying around any number of little doodads, accessories, and other miscellany. Where should I stuff all of my small pieces of important fanfare? Usually, I will load my pockets down with all that I might need. If there is more, I carry a backpack with lots of pockets and spaces.

Granted, iLuv's new addition, Tangle, will not replace a backpack or your favorite pair of cargo shorts, but it could easily come in handy. Popularly known for all sorts of creative iOS device solutions, iLuv even has a contract to produce Peanut cartoon accessories. Inside, I take a look at the Tangle and its accessory carrying options...

Audiofly AF45 earbuds review and giveaway: stunningly crisp sound meets affordable price

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Some would say I have a terrible collection of music in my iTunes library. Ask any of my friends, or wife, and I probably rank last in choice of great music. Assuming, for now, I agree with them, that does not mean I cannot appreciate quality sound. Thus, my quest for the best pair of headphones began about a year ago. Keeping my eyes, and ears, open for anything that could quench my audio thirst.

As an average consumer, sound quality and price are both considered. Sure, if we wanted the best money could buy, we would all just buy in-ear monitors like the pros. But, not all of us make millions of dollars. Thankfully, I ran into Audiofly's booth at CES in January this year. Their full line of products dazzled my ears. This summer, I reviewed the AF78's, which were astounding. Today, I take a closer look at the AF45's, a more financially modest pair, as we head into the holiday gifting season. You could even win a pair for yourself! I'm giving away two pair of AF33's and two more pair of AF45's...

Best iPad Air keyboards

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

As iPad becomes more of a portable workhorse, the need for professional grade accessories drastically increases. Our own Jeff Benjamin swears by his iPad to muscle common tasks for his daily blogging needs. Of the most important professional additions, the keyboard rates at number one.

A virtual keyboard is perfect for portability. Software keyboards only take up screen space, but do not take up space in a travel bag or add weight. They are equally as noticeable when trying to actually accomplish some real work. The Bluetooth keyboard is the answer for users looking to get extra mileage from their iPad Air. Inside, we give a short spotlight to some of the best iPad Air keyboards...