Accessories

Report: iPad mini accessories waiting for Apple announcement to start shipping

Ed Sutherland ∙ October 12, 2012

Third-party accessory makers in Asia appear well-prepared for Apple's expected Oct. 23 launch of a smaller iPad. Nearly two dozen Asian add-on manufacturers have gadgets all set to sell when the reported 7.85-inch 'iPad mini' is finally unveiled, according to a Wall Street analyst.

Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White said he met accessory makers during a tour of Asia and found some add-on products already boxed-up and ready for shipping. At one point, White even handled a "pilot" version of the smaller iPad, which "he was easily able to keep in his coat pocket," according to AppleInsider...

iCade 8-Bitty iOS game controller now available

Cody Lee ∙ October 10, 2012

Back in February, the folks over at ThinkGeek unveiled a new wireless game controller for iOS devices called the 8-Bitty. It resembled an NES controller, and was based on the popular iCade platform.

Today, ThinkGeek has announced that the 8-Bitty controller is now available for purchase. It's compatible with all iCade games, as well as MAME titles, and it costs a lot less than you might think...

Apple may have changed the iPad mini’s round shape design

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 9, 2012

Apple tomorrow is allegedly expected to invite select members of the press to an iPad mini-focused media event, likely to be held at some point next week. With part leaks, dummies, schematics, mockups, gorgeous renders and news of manufacturing ramp up all leaking on a daily basis, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the iPad mini design has been set in stone weeks ago.

A new report by a reliable Japanese blog now claims Apple's changed the iPad mini design and one "large OEM mobile accessory maker" had to throw cases it already made, likely based on same leaks and rumors we've been hearing about...

The Lance Daypack helps you organize your mobile life while on the go

Jim Gresham ∙ October 9, 2012

To begin, I will start with a disclaimer. I love backpacks, own five of them. Each of the packs has a specific purpose and I'm always on the lookout for another specific bag to fit an individual need. When approached to review the ECBC Lance B7103 daypack, I jumped at the opportunity because I was looking for a workhorse backpack for my electronic gadgets.

Catching a glimpse of the internal pocket system in the B7103, it was love at first sight, but it faded quickly. After spending a weekend on the road, some very excellent features of the bag made mobile life more organized, but some specific features seemed to be missing...

Rokform brings its v3 case system to the iPad [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

If you follow our review and giveaway sections, you are familiar with Rokform's v3 accessory system for iPhone. For a short recap, the v3 accessory system integrates with the iPhone v3 cases making a wide arrange of additional accessories lock into the existing case. As the RokLock iPad case hits the market, there are two new pieces available specifically for the iPad system, which help mount your iPad most anywhere.

The RokLock is an injection molded polycarbonate slider case for iPad and iPad 2. The beefy case is excellent for protection and the remote mounting system keeps your device locked into place. We are thankful to our friends at Rokform for sending us one for review and you could win one for yourself too...

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...

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...

Meet EarPods, Apple’s new in-ear headphones

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 12, 2012

It is no secret that Apple's in-ear headphones that ship with iPhones and iPods leave a lot to be desired. Sound quality is average, at best, bass is non-existent and highs sound a little too robotic. Of course, we knew Apple would be introducing a brand new headset today. What we haven't known is that the company spent three years designing the new headphones, dubbed EarPods. Yes, three years...

Photo shows iPad mini and iPhone 5 cases compared to an iPhone 4S

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Just one more day to go until Apple's highly-anticpated iPhone event, and surprise surprise, we have more purported case leaks. This time, it's a photo of an iPad mini and iPhone 5 case, among a 4S and others.

The purpose of the image is to give us an idea of how the unannounced devices measure up to their predecessors. And it's actually really interesting to see how the iPad mini compares to the third-gen iPad...

Apple to exclusively sell 9-pin dock connector adapter

Ed Sutherland ∙ September 5, 2012

Apple could cash in to the tune of $100 million soon after it unveils upcoming devices with the new 9-pin dock connector. The Cupertino, Calif. company intends to be initially the only game in town for Apple fans, exclusively selling the adapters at $10 a pop, reports say.

The company will also sell Apple-branded USB cables for $19 each. This is in line with the MagSafe to Magasafe 2 converter cable Apple sells for $9.99 and the iPhone Micro USB adapter for $11 and $13.

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.