Accessories

The AppBlaster: Taking iPhone Gaming Accessories to the Next Level

Though we've seen quite a few gaming accessories hit the iOS scene, we've never come across anything like this. The appBlaster has to be one of the most innovative gaming add-ons that's ever made it to market.

Although it may look like a souped-up Duck Hunt Zapper, the appBlaster utilizes cutting-edge technology. The accessory uses the iPhone's camera and accelerometer to create an immersive first-person shooter. And the result, I must say, is awesome...

iDJ Live: Give Your iDevice Some Real 1s and 2s

The sharp and responsive screen found on Apple's iDevices make them a hotbed for DJ applications. Since the App Store's inception, we've seen several DJ'ing applications that try and capture the addicting music-mixing art.

One of our all time favorites is djay by algoriddim. Its easy to use interface and unique AUTOMIX feature make for a solid DJ app. Obviously, touchscreens have limitations that make it difficult to do any serious record spinning, but iDJ Live might have a solution for us..

Pic3D Sheet: Glasses-Free 3D Accessory for the iPhone

3D technology continues to be a hot tech topic. Between Nintendo launching the 3DS and HTC launching multiple 3D Android devices, it's safe to say that the technology is going to stick around the mobile arena for a while.

Even iDevices are getting the 3D treatment, and they don't even house any 3D-specific hardware. While we've already seen head-tracking technology used to simulate 3-dimensional graphics on the iPhone, this new entry doesn't require a front-facing camera. Enter Pic3D...

Hybrid iPhone-Leica Camera Concept

If you are into photography at all, chances are you have heard the name Leica. The brand is world-renowned for its line of quality cameras that have a very distinct, classic-looking build.

Well it seems like an L.A.-based consultancy firm wants to put a modern twist on the classic camera. Black Design Associates have developed a hybrid device that combines the power of an iPhone 4 with the photography skills of a Leica camera...

Cydle i30: The digital TV Receiver for Your iPhone

Forget about streaming services like Hulu Plus and Netflix, what about if you want live TV? Apps like SlingPlayer do a pretty good job of broadcasting your TV content, but it requires some sort of internet connection.

For folks who just have to catch the local news at 9 on the go, comes the Cydle i30. The slide-on accessory will enable users to receive local OTA (over the air) digital broadcasts, right on the iPhone...

A Portable Wireless SD Card Reader for the iPhone

A major downfall [to some users] in iOS devices is the lack of expandable memory. In fact, that's generally one of the first things an Android-toting user would mention in a debate between the 2 popular breeds.

The iPhone comes in a 32GB, but that may not be enough space to lug around all of your files and media content. While even feature phones sport card readers nowadays, Apple has yet to include them in their lineup. So what if you want information on your SD card on your iPhone?

Alarm Dock – Where Retro and Contemporary Meet

We've talked about some pretty cool accessories for your iPhone here on iDB. We've mentioned everything from cases to portable battery chargers, and even one that did both.

While we've seen our fair share of iDevice attachments, we've yet to see anything quite like this. Tuaw points to an iPhone dock that uses a retro design in a contemporary world. What is it called?

iPhly – the Remote Control Replacement for Your R/C Car or Plane

If you've got a remote control car, helicopter or airplane, listen up. The iPhly allows you to ditch the bulky and expensive R/C equipment for something more portable, like your iPhone.

We've seen remote control accessories before, but they only work with accompanying vehicles. iPhly actually has the ability to control anything from airplanes to RC cars that you already own. How does it work?

Seagate Introduces Wireless Storage for iOS Devices

Though the iPhone has certainly evolved into a top-notch smartphone, it's not completely perfect. In fact, one of its major downfalls (as Android-toting skeptics are quick to point out) is the lack of expandable memory.

The iPhone comes in 2 flavors, 16GB and 32GB. Chose wisely, because whatever you decide, you'll pretty much be stuck with. With no SD card slot, many users are forced into unreliable cloud solutions for extra space. Now for the alternative...

iPad Survives Getting Run Over by a Car, Thanks to Extreme Sleeve

Remember that iPad case that we showed you earlier this year called the Extreme Sleeve? Let me give you a quick reminder. G-Form, a company well known for their extreme sports protective gear has ventured into the portable electronic arena. They have made protective gear for MacBooks and other laptops, and they now have one for the iPad.

Their G-Form Extreme Sleeve has been grabbing headlines over the last few months, as the G-Form team has gone through great lengths to prove its durability. They've dropped bowling balls on their Extreme Sleeve-covered iPads and have even dropped one out of an airplane. Each time the iPad has emerged unharmed.

When we previously reported on the product it was not available yet, but it promised to start shipping May 2nd of this year. Well it looks like the Extreme Sleeve is starting to make its way to user's hands, as a new video from Mobile Syrup puts the Sleeve through its own durability test. Is the Extreme Sleeve tough enough to protect an iPad from being run over by a car? Let's watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrLNVcYz6ZM

Though the video stops playing, the iPad appears to be just fine. Now that these G-Form Extreme Sleeves are available to the masses, I'm guessing this isn't the last we've seen of these extreme iPad survival videos. I'm sure G-Form is loving the free viral advertising.

What do you think?

New Case Suggests New Features for the iPhone 5

Next-generation iPhone rumors are like cute girls on an elevator; there's always room for one more. With little known about Apple's next smartphone, all we have to go on is the gossip.

The latest tidbit comes from GadgetsDNA, who have come across an "iPhone 5G" case on an online retailer's website. Kulcase LTD makes cases for smartphones and apparently they can predict the future...

iKeyboard Promises Touch-Typing on Your iPad

One of the biggest downfalls of tablet PCs is the virtual keyboard. Folks who rely on their portable computers for heavy data input have avoided the new trend, due to the lack of a proper keyboard. Up until now, touch-typing on tablets has been a pipe-dream, but Cliff Thier is looking to change that with his invention, the iKeyboard.

This slip on accessory is guaranteed to make you type faster by eliminating the need for "hunt and peck" typing. iKeyboard slips over your iPad 2 in landscape mode, and outlines your virtual keyboard.

Not only does this make finding keys easier, it adds a layer of material on top of your iPad so you can rest your fingers on the keys without typing. This also provides for a similar tactile experience as a normal keyboard.

You can't pick one of these up at the local Best Buy just yet. Cliff Thier started a Kickstarter project for his iKeyboard and it is expected to be funded June 28. Though he has already reach his goal, feel free to pledge $30 or more to grab one of these before they hit the selves. My mouth's watering just thinking about typing with one of these things.

What about you?