Accessories

Jorno may be the pocketable Bluetooth keyboard you’ve been waiting for

Jim Gresham ∙ September 19, 2012

If you are in the market for a Bluetooth keyboard, there are plenty to keep you guessing. However, I am yet to find a model that collapses into a small portable unit for grab-and-go solutions. Today, Jorno utilizes the small, compact design you may be looking to discover and is launching on Kickstarter.

At 3.5"x3.5"x1.2" folded, the Jorno promises to fit in any travel bag or even a back pocket. With a 2011 Design and Engineering Showcase Honors from International CES, it should raise a few eyebrows as it makes its way around the net...

Toast’s wooden skins add life to your iPhone [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 28, 2016

Over my time blogging, I have only spotted a few wood or faux wood skins for iDevices, but have never had the opportunity to review one. Thanks to my new friends at Toast, I have been using their real bamboo iPhone skin for a little over a week and my completely custom skin is getting even better everyday I use it. With the iDownloadBlog logo darkly emblazoned on the pale wooden backdrop, my iPhone skin is the talk of the town...

HoverBar floats your iPad anywhere

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Twelve South prides itself by making items for Apple products and only Apple products. With popular accessories such as the BookBook for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, Twelve South is not a new contender to the accessory scene, but is certainly one of the best. Limiting their new accessories to a mere handful each year, the South Carolina based company ensures each product is crafted to quality standards. The HoverBar now touts iPad 3rd generation compatibility and I take it for a spin, in the kitchen...

Wirelessly streaming files to your iPhone with Wi-Drive

Jim Gresham ∙ September 16, 2012

You just preordered the new iPhone 5, but did not want to splurge on the 32GB or 64GB model. While you wait for Friday to arrive, you are growing more and more concerned about the lack of storage space on your shiny new iPhone. After all, you are going to want to watch widescreen movies in their 16:9 glory, but alas, you need all 16GBs to store family vacation photos to show Grandma on your Thanksgiving trip home.

Critically, you scoff that she doesn't have WiFi at the assisted living center, so you can't pull them from iCloud or Dropbox. This Thanksgiving, be thankful for Kingston's Wi-Drive, which will store everything needed in a compact design and wirelessly broadcast the files without an existing network. Even the nagging kids in the backseat can simultaneously enjoy different movies...

VonCase cages your iPhone in aircraft grade aluminum

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

At vonCase Designs, the team aspires to create an "exceptional iPhone case that is as unique as it is durable." Utilizing American-made aircraft grade aluminum to craft complex designs with a hand-finished touch, vonCase enters with four eccentric iPhone cases that catch attention. Anodized for a permanent finish, the Variants, pop with vivid color and protect your precious device from drops and dings...

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...