Accessories

Meet the ChargeKey, one of the smallest Lightning cables we’ve ever seen

Well they've done it again. The folks that revolutionized ultra-portable USB charging cables with the ChargeCard are back with an all-new, and [perhaps] even more convenient iOS device accessory called the ChargeKey.

As the name insinuates, the ChargeKey is essentially a Lightning-to-USB cable reduced down to the size of a house key. And its small size enables you to attach it to your car/house keys, ensuring that it's always nearby...

Belkin launches new iPad Air accessories, too

One of the top accessory makers and among the leading players in the Apple accessories ecosystem, Logitech, today announced four new keyboard cases and covers designed specifically for Apple's upcoming iPad Air.

However, Logitech's arch-enemy Belkin earlier telegraphed an announcement of its own. A whole bunch of new iPad Air-specific accessories are part of Belkin's announcement, including three new Bluetooth keyboard models from Belkin's Qode lineup, one of them apparently made from an "aircraft-grade aluminum alloy".

Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Logitech launches new iPad Air cases and keyboard covers

Accessory maker Logitech today announced a brand new lineup of Folio cases, Bluetooth keyboard cases and protective covers specifically designed for Apple's newly-launched iPad Air, which goes on sale this coming Friday. The Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and Cover, the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and the Folio Protective Case are all now available for pre-order today and slated to ship in November. I've included more information and a few images right after the break...

Apple updates Smart Covers and Cases for new iPads

Although there wasn't any mention of the rumored Surface-like keyboard cover at today's iPad event, Apple did announce updates for its current line of cases that will launch alongside the two new tablets.

Both the iPad Air and new iPad mini with Retina display will get a new set of Smart Covers and Smart Cases. The Covers, again, just cover the screen of the iPad, but the Cases offer wraparound protection...

From the makers of Paper: the Pencil stylus

A stylus has always been handy for artists needing to work on a design using the iPad. For the rest of us, a pen-based tablet has been more of a pain.

Now comes a new stylus that just might be both attractive and useful. The accessory, dubbed Pencil, comes from the folks who introduced us to the Paper iPad app.

First, Pencil from FifthyThree is flat - like a carpenter's - so no more chasing a rolling stylus. Secondly, the stylus includes a USB port, making the tool practical beyond simply jotting down a note on your iPad...

Apple could announce Surface style iPad keyboard cover tomorrow

A sketchy video recently asserted Apple's Smart Cover for iPad has undergone a redesign that may launch Tuesday alongside new iPads. Suspiciously, we've seen no credible leak whatsoever to support the thesis. Though Apple's filed for a number of iPad keyboard cover patents, it's unclear in what direction it might take the Smart Cover come tomorrow.

If you ask a former Apple engineer, however, the company is seeking to address the success Microsoft has seen with Touch Type covers for the Surface by releasing its own Surface-inspired keyboard case for the new iPads that will incorporate a physical QWERTY keyboard and a bunch of other functions...

Attach your iPad to your laptop screen with SideCar

Whether you're a professional graphics designer, or a self-proclaimed YouTube expert, running dual displays can make doing your thing on the computer much easier. It allows you to see more content at once, and multitask more efficiently.

Now with this in mind, what if I told you there was a product that would allow you to run this kind of setup while on the go, using nothing but your existing iPad and laptop? Well it just so happens that there is, and it's called the SideCar...

Evernote and Adonit introduce new fine-point Bluetooth stylus

Evernote and accessory-maker Adonit announced today that they have teamed up to create a new Bluetooth stylus called the Jot Script Evernote Stylus. With its fine 1.9mm tip, it's supposedly noticeably more accurate than capacitive styli.

The digital pen uses Adonit’s newly-developed Pixelpoint technology, which utilizes a combination of the device's built-in accelerometer, Bluetooth, and Adonit’s frameworks to communicate the location of the stylus tip to compatible apps...

‘Bastion’ and ‘Walking Dead’ games updated with iOS 7 controller support

It seems like the gaming scene on iOS is about to explode—even more than it already has. As most of you know, iOS 7 brings about controller support for games, and a few high-profile names have already signed on.

Last week, both Logitech and ClamCase began teasing their respective upcoming controllers for iOS 7. And yesterday, two big-named games from Telltale and Warner Bros studios were updated with support for them...

Good deal: 30% off Touchfire Keyboard for iPad

If you're in the market for a keyboard accessory to help you type more efficiently on your iPad, you might want to check out the Touchfire. It's a silicon insert that fits over your iPad's display, offering tactile feedback as you type.

And right now, the folks over at Stack Social are running a promotion on the Touchfire KeyBoard, enabling you to pick one up at a nice discount. For a limited time, the deal site is knocking 30% off the accessory's retail price tag...

Logitech teases first iOS 7-compatible game controller

In addition to its new design, and new features, iOS 7 includes a number of new tools for developers to take advantage of. And one that we're really excited about is support for third party game controllers.

Games in iOS 7 will be able to tie into Apple's Game Controller framework, allowing for the universal use of authorized 'MFi' devices. And today, Logitech and others began teasing their first MFi gamepads...

Griffin unveils new MultiDock capable of syncing and charging up to 10 devices

Developers, teachers, and essentially anyone else with multiple USB devices will be happy to hear that Griffin has just unveiled a new version of its MultiDock. The redesigned charging station looks great, and can charge and sync up to 10 devices at once.

Griffin says that it collaborated with former Apple designer Thomas Meyerhoffer to build the second-generation MultiDock, which is both lighter and more attractive than its predecessor. It's also now compatible with several smartphone and tablet models...