Accessories

A look at newly launched Incipio 5c cases

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 24, 2017

Incipio is always quick on the trigger when it comes to releasing new product lines along with Apple's new hardware. Before the iPhone launch, I was already contacted by some friends at Incipio asking me to take a look at their, then unreleased, products. Happily agreeing, they sent over three different cases for inspection.

Inside, I take a closer look at these cases and their form factors, relating to iPhone 5c. These are the first 5c cases I received for any reviewing purposes and they all fit quite well. As with most Incipio line ups, they are affordable and colorful...

A quick look at the Moshi dual car charger and premium Lightning cables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

I assume there was an eyebrow raise at "premium Lightning cables." Be ensured, the title is not intended to be click bait, rather a description of the actual product. After Apple switched from 30 pin, my arsenal of available cords depleted. Like many of our readers, I amassed a large number of 30 pin cables across the years.

Suddenly, I needed to reinvest in more cables. I grew accustomed to having a cable pretty much anywhere I sat for more than an hour. The folks at Moshi sent me a review unit of their Lightning cable, which is the same price as a standard Apple OEM cable, but offer a lot more in the way of rugged design and classy fixtures...

Some entry level Bluetooth speakers to consider

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

We love music. For years, well before iPods, we took music everywhere. From records to CD's, music is a part of every day life, especially with the invention of MP3 players and the subsequent iPod. However, these are personal devices with single use headphone jacks. Music is most fun when enjoyed with those around us, or at least without being tied down by a corded headset.

Setting music free, is the Bluetooth speaker. As a reviewer, it seems Bluetooth speakers continue to advance in popularity. Not only do I get asked to review them more frequently, but I seem to have more personal conversations about them too. Which one is best, more portable, louder, more clear, better battery and so forth. To throw a few out there for consideration, I rounded up four different models for your consideration...

Neurio vows to make all homes intelligent

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Neurio is an electrical monitoring device developed by Energy Aware Technology. The small device sits in the home's breaker box and "monitors how much power homes are using, and figures out the cost of running individual appliances using smart algorithms that look for patterns and potential problems." Using a self-learning algorithm, the unit collects data about the electrical items in the home. Reports and information are provided to the user, who then determines which ways to better eliminate energy consumption.

Most importantly, the monitoring and cloud reporting does not require home owners to install sensors on any device. As the unit sits in the breaker box, connected to the central home electrical hub, it monitors information directly from the source. Using a companion app, cleverly titled "Wattson," a homeowners' smartphone becomes the simple monitoring tool needed to determine real time power consumption and usage...

Nike+ FuelBand SE now available in Apple’s web store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Nike's second-generation fitness-tracker, the Nike+ FuelBand SE, hit Apple's web store this morning and is now available for purchase. The company showed off the new accessory during a media event back in October.

The SE looks and acts very similar to its predecessor, but adds new colorways in yellow, pink, and red, and support for Bluetooth 4.0. There's also a few new features like hourly reminders and a handy one-touch clock mode...

UE BOOM wireless Bluetooth speaker review: built for rugged use and convenient mobility

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Apple’s recent launch of the iPhone 5c has created an industry of new cases and accessories to compliment the colorful look of the plastic-backed phone. If you want your 5c to really stand out, match it with a colorful accessory.

The UE BOOM from Ultimate Ears came out long before the iPhone 5c was a glint in an Apple designer’s eye. However, the wireless Bluetooth speaker looks like it was made just for the colorful new phone. The two were meant to be together...

Booqpad combines an iPad mini case and notepad into one

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

I like being professional. Sure, being a blogger doesn't mean my job screams business suit, white dress shirt, and dark blue tie. After all, I'm not rolling down the hallways of an IBM clone factory like my father did before me. But, I love him anyway. Being professional does not require the suit, but it can easily be defined by accessories. No, not a pocket square. I mean your gadget accessories.

For my iPhone 5s, when I am trying to look the part, I opt for the Kouros leather sleeve, because it is simple, streamlined, black, and refined. When it comes to my iPad mini, I also prefer those same characteristics. But, often, the mini is more of my work horse, which should get even better with an A7 processor. I may grab my phone in a meeting to check the calendar or a quick notification about the Virginia Tech Hokies, but iPad is the true go-to for more complex tasks. Keeping things at my fingers, the Booqpad mini by Booq even has a spot for handwritten notes...

Moshi iPhone 5s cases round up

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

As soon as I ordered my iPhone 5s, I began hunting around the internet for new cases. Yes, iPhone 5 cases are completely compatible with iPhone 5s, but I started looking anyway. New iPhone, new case, is my standard. Something fresh was needed. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for at the time, but something that related to the new 5s in some way.

Moshi came to mind, as they always utilize clean and simple designs. A clip on case is always the most simplistic and I opted for that version. Browsing through the selection, I came across the iGlaze Armour and it is marketed as a slim fit case. The two tone design caught my eye, as it matches the 5s backing. In particular, the gold/silver version caught my attention, because "gold is best."...

Smartphone Spy Lens review: sneak pics and videos without getting caught

Lory Gil ∙ October 18, 2013

Photojojo, for those that may not already know, is a website dedicated to finding the best new stuff for all of your photography needs. The company has dozens of cute, awesome, and creative accessories designed specifically for iOS and other mobile devices.

The Smartphone Spy Lens is one such accessory that mounts to any mobile device with a camera so you can snap pictures of people standing right next to you, without them even knowing…

Nike unveils more colorful, durable FuelBand SE

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Nike held a big, athlete-filled media event in New York City this morning to announce its long-awaited second generation FuelBand fitness device: the Nike+ FuelBand SE.

The new Band looks virtually identical to its predecessor, except for the addition of some new color accents, but on the inside there has been a number of improvements...

Bluelounge releases Rolio and CableDrop Mini for cable management woes

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

It is no surprise, considering the number of Bluelounge reviews I cover, I am a big fan of this product line. Consequently, when my friend at their office asked if I wanted to check out their latest invention, I quickly responded to the request. Bluelounge makes great products that solve simple everyday problems. Many companies claim to do the same, but setting themselves apart, Bluelounge solves these mundane problems in elegant ways with products like Kii, MiniDock, Mika, and Saidoka.

Today, two new products are announced, Rolio and CableDrop Mini. Both newly released items take on the challenge of creative cord management. Everyone struggles to keep cords in-check on their work stations, but with these two options, at least there is some organization to the madness...

AT&T announces Pebble partnership, will start selling smartwatch Friday

Cody Lee ∙ September 25, 2013

Despite all of its missteps following its record-breaking Kickstarter run, Pebble has done quite well for itself post-crowd-funding. In addition to landing a retail deal with Best Buy, it announced in July that it had surpassed 275k pre-orders.

And now it's taking things to a whole new level. AT&T, currently the United States' second largest wireless carrier, announced today that it will begin offering the popular smartwatch online and in select brick-and-mortar stores this week...