Accessories

MagSkin review and giveaway: keep your iPhone hanging in all the right places

Jim Gresham ∙ September 5, 2012

Inspired by a cord covered kitchen counter, MagSkin's humble beginnings centered around a hobby project for friends. MagSkin's founder took a small sheet of adhesive magnet and applied it to the back of an iPhone. Following encouraging words from admirers, MagSkin headed to Kickstarter to find interested investors.

MagSkin successfully raised $2,000 more than necessary with 353 backers. Now, we can all enjoy slapping our iPhone on any magnetic surface and five lucky winners will be able to take one home for free...

Purported accessories for next-gen iPhone leaked

Cody Lee ∙ August 29, 2012

We're just weeks away from Apple's next-gen iPhone event, and the leaked parts just keep on coming. This time it's a wall charger, USB cable and a case — all of which appear to be made for the handset and its rumored smaller dock connector.

For the first time since its inception, Apple is widely expected to change the dock connector on its iPhone this fall. Instead of the usual 30-pin setup, it's said to be utilizing a smaller, 8-pin connector that we'll also see in future iOS products...

Phiaton noise canceling headphones raise the bar [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 28, 2017

Priding itself on accomplishing the perfect combination of "natural soundstage, wearability and eye-catching appeal," Phiaton is part of the Cresyn Co., which produces components for many of the world's best-selling headphones, earphones, and speakers. The parent company's philosophy is to focus on innovation and quality, which motivates its 12,000+ global workforce.

The Phiaton PS 300 NC headphone is a testament to creativity, build quality, and practicality. From supple genuine leather ear cups and premium leather grade trim to the included custom cut travel pouch, the "Primal Series" 300's stand tall against the competition and sound great. To walk through some Pink Floyd and Skrillex, read on... we wouldn't want you to miss your chance to win one of three pairs of PS 210 earphones.

The iKid: a shock absorbing foam case for your iPad

Cody Lee ∙ August 25, 2012

One of the great things about the iPad is the fact that it's so easy to use, a toddler could use it. In fact, they do use it. Recent studies show that roughly 40% of children ages 2-4 have used an iPad or similar device.

But unless you want to put the fate of your $500 tablet in the hands of a two-year old, you better put a case on it. Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot of choices out there that are kid-friendly. Enter the iKid...

Unique keyboard accessory turns iPad into typewriter

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Of all the interesting iPad accessories we've seen over the years, this one has to be towards the top of the list. It's a real, working typewriter keyboard, that's compatible with your Apple-branded tablet.

The invention comes courtesy of industrial designer Austin Yang of Edinburgh, Scotland. And it's essentially a typewriter with capacitive touch hammers that press the keys on your iPad keyboard. Watch:

Prisma Bluetooth speakers add big sound and class to your desktop

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 20, 2016

I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, not even if I was stretching my imagination, but I do have a set of speakers in almost every room in the house. Circa 1997, I bought a pair of portable desktop speakers, which have held true for 15 years, but it is time for a change. Technology has adapted and changed, but my old speakers have not.

To increase the savvy of my sound and look, Edifier sent over their Prisma E3350BT 2.1 BT Audio System and, I must say it is quite an impressive package. In fact, the system boasts a 2008 CES Design and Engineering honor and has received updates throughout the past few years...

Double Robotics gives your iPad some serious wheels

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

We've seen a lot of cool accessories for the iPad over the years, but this one might just take the cake. Double Robotics has just unveiled a new self-balancing motorized stand for Apple's tablet called the Double.

The stand uses the iPad for propulsion, as it wheels around on a Segway-like base. And the whole thing is controlled by a second iPad, using the camera on the first for guidance. You really have to see it to believe it...

The Cellink I is the emergency battery boost your iPhone might need

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

There are those days when your on-board iPhone battery cannot handle the stress of a working day. Typically, I get around 4.5 hours of usage between charges, which on a busy news day, leaves me bumming a power cord around the office. Mobile battery backups and chargers are a great way to extend battery life if your cubical neighbor forgot to bring in the cable you always borrow. Cellink I by Cell Drive is a pocket sized – let's call it a snack portion – of battery boost to keep you reading, tweeting, posting, or blogging until you get home...

Smarter Stand makes your Smart Cover smarter

Cody Lee ∙ August 10, 2012

If you have an iPad, and a Smart Cover for that iPad, then that makes you the perfect candidate for the Smarter Stand. The tiny accessory, composed of 2 clips, promises to turn your Smart Cover into a full-featured iPad stand.

Wish your Smart Cover was more sturdy when propping up your iPad? Smarter Stand can help with that. Wish your Smart Cover offered a wider range of viewing angles? Smarter stand can help with that too. And here's how it works...

Rokform v3 Bike Mount rules the trails [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated December 28, 2016

As a CES design award nominee, Rokform never ceases to impress with their array of iPhone and iPad accessories. If you happened to miss our Rokbed v3 Custom Case review and giveaway, you didn't know Rokform has an extensive list of useful items designed to enhance the overall functionality of the v3 cases.

The Rokbed v3 Bike Mount Kit works seamlessly with the included Rokbed v3 case and keeps your iPhone front and center while hitting the trails. Thanks to our friends at Rokform, we've been able to test our own and give you a chance to win a case and mount too...

The Time Command Mini adds app-enhanced flare to the alarm dock

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

There is a lot of competition out there in the dock world and many of them simply play music, charge your iDevice, and get in the way due to their bulky form factors. Stem Innovation is here to challenge the status quo with their Time Command Mini, which is not only a dock, but also an extension of your iDevice, thanks to the timecommand companion app...

We’re giving away two Cellhelmet cases for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 21, 2012

Last week we covered the Cellhelmet by CellPig in a featured review. This is one of the few cases we have found that comes with a one-year iPhone repair and replacement plan for free when you purchase the case.

If you didn't rush off to buy one, here is your chance to score one for yourself. Thanks to CellPig, we are happy to offer our engaged readers a chance to take home a Cellhelmet of their own in the color of their choosing...