Accessories

Users complain of Lightning cable issues due to corrosion

Cody Lee ∙ March 5, 2014

Apple has been taking criticism for its new Lightning connector since it was introduced alongside the iPhone 5 in 2012. The change instantly made millions of cases and other accessories incompatible, forcing users to either buy updated products or do without.

Those complaints have since spilled over into the Lightning cable's durability, with the Apple Store showing a 1.5 star rating of the cable on over 1,200 reviews. Apparently the cable is vulnerable to breakage, fraying, and according to a new report, corrosion as well...

Apple ‘iRing’ concept brought to life by Kickstarter project

Cody Lee ∙ March 5, 2014

Around this time last year, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White made headlines for a note he sent to investors regarding the 'iRing.' White said that Apple was working on a television set that could read motion gestures from a user who was wearing a ring-shaped device on their finger.

Well, we have yet to see the product materialize, but a company called Logbar is looking to change that with their new Kickstarter project. It's called 'Ring: shortcut to everything,' and once connected to your mobile device, it allows you to send texts, control your home appliances, and more...

Twelve South launches SurfacePad for the iPad Mini

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

Mac and iOS device accessory maker Twelve South launched its popular SurfacePad for the iPad mini today. The cover, which hit the market last spring for the iPhone 5, is made up of high-quality Napa leather and doubles as both a stand and typing wedge.

But what sets the SurfacePad apart from other covers and cases is that it uses an adhesive backing to attach to the device, rather than trying to fit around the device, which helps cut down on thickness. The cover comes in at just 0.1 inches (or 3.0 mm) thick...

Moga teases new MFi Bluetooth controller for iOS 7 devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Moga didn't make a very good first impression in the iOS 7 controller space. Plagued by the typical new-category teething issues, the Ace Power launched to mostly negative reviews last fall despite its large built-in battery and dual analog joysticks.

But the mobile accessory-maker isn't going to let a little bad press get it down. This week, Moga began sending out a teaser image (seen above) for a new MFi controller. It looks a lot like the Ace Power, but with one big difference: a Bluetooth button...

ReSound LiNX launches as first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 24, 2014

GN ReSound, a company that's been working with Apple to take the stigma out of wearing an aid, today formally launched the world's first 'Made for iPhone' hearing aid, the LiNX. The accessory is designed for the hearing impaired users and offers direct streaming of sound from the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, without the need for an additional remote control, accessory or pendant.

It marries power-efficient Bluetooth Smart to third-generation 2.4 GHz wireless networking based on the all-new SmartRange chipset while offering some advanced features. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Mad Catz introduces new Xbox-inspired iOS 7 controller ‘C.T.R.L.i’

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

Mobile World Congress, which has just begun in Barcelona, is not known for churning out mobile peripherals like CES or other big conferences, but we've got one for you today. It's a new MFi (made for iPhone) iOS 7-compatible game controller.

It's a wireless controller, with a removable clip for docking your device, and it's called the 'C.T.R.L.i.' It's made by Mad Catz, and if you have ever shopped around for third-party PC and console peripherals, you know that's a fairly well-known name...

Twelve South unveils second-generation Compass stand for iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 5, 2014

Third-party accessory maker Twelve South today announced a second-generation iPad stand, the Compass 2. The original Compass was released back in 2010 following the first iPad launch. It was available from the Apple Store and classed as one of the first accessories that put Twelve South on the map.

The Compass 2 is lighter and more stylish than its predecessor while building on the features that made the original such a compelling stand.

Like a host of similar accessories, the multi-use Compass 2 raises your device off the surface or affixes it in the low-angle typing mode. This is handy in a number of situations, ranging from enjoying your media to conducting FaceTime calls or simply giving your device a nice, elegant home on your work desk.

It works with any iPad Air, iPad mini or iPad and is available in black, red and silver for $39.99...

Sega adds MFi controller support to Sonic titles

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

It got off to a rocky start, but things are looking up for Apple's MFi controller platform. We're starting to see more (and cheaper) controller options become available for iOS devices, and developers are adding MFi support to their games daily.

Case in point, Sega just updated 2 of its most popular Sonic iOS titles with MFi controller support. Now in addition to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, both the original Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic CD are compatible with the new breed of gamepads...

Good deal: 75% off this pocket-sized USB battery pack

Cody Lee ∙ January 29, 2014

One of the most popular tech gifts and/or stock stuffers, this past holiday season was the portable USB charger. I know I included one in my Holiday gift guide, simply because they're small enough to take with you when you're on the go and very convenient.

But for those of you who didn't score a new portable USB charger this Christmas, you may be interested to know that Stack Social is running a deal on the Keychain Power Bank. For a limited time, you can grab the 2600mAh battery pack for less than $15...

iPad photography is now officially a thing…

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

You're already familiar with iPhone photography, aren't you? And I take it those among you who attend trade shows have by now caught wind of the rise of iPad photography, no? As if using an iPad to snap photos in public wasn't embarrassing enough, Sony has now produced a dedicated camera attachment aimed at tablet owners which allows its portable QX-10 or QX-100 lens to be snapped on.

The SPA-TA1 attachment is designed for tablets between 85mm and 190mm in width so it'll work with your iPad Air (169.5mm) just fine. Available in various sizes from April 4 in Japan and coming elsewhere soon after, it's bound to give iPad photography a whole new meaning, for better or worse...

CES 2014: Signal unveils ‘RP One’ wireless gaming controller for iOS 7

Cody Lee ∙ January 7, 2014

We were hoping that this year's CES would see the introduction of new iOS 7 gaming controllers, given how dismal the options are right now, and so far it hasn't disappointed. Yesterday, SteelSeries introduced its new Stratus controller, and today we're adding another option to the list.

What you see above is the 'RP One,' a Bluetooth gamepad with a traditional console-style layout made by Signal. As you can see, the controller is wireless—meaning you'll be able to use it with your iPad and any other compatible iOS devices—and it looks a lot like the popular Xbox controller...

CES 2014: Withings unveils new ‘Aura’ smart sleep tracking system

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Continuing on with our day one coverage of CES, we have Withings. The France-based consumer electronics company, which made a name for itself with its Wi-Fi body scale, announced a new connected device today called the Aura.

Withings calls the Aura a 'smart sleep system,' and says it's designed to both monitor and positively impact your sleep experience. It does this by leveraging a combination of sensors, ambient lighting, a little science and a mobile app...