Accessories

Ugreen’s Magnetic Charger for Apple Watch is slim enough to keep in your pocket

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 31, 2016

Most people experience all-day battery life with the Apple Watch, whether it’s the single core first generation model, or the dual core Series 1 or 2 versions that were launched just this year. While this is true for most people who use their Apple Watch regularly, new apps like Pokémon GO for the Apple Watch threaten to deplete your Apple Watch’s tiny battery much faster.

With that being the case, investing in some kind of portable power pack made specifically for the Apple Watch, like the Ugreen Magnetic Charger, is a good idea.

How about Jet Black AirPods?

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 30, 2016

If it hadn't been for the new gloss and matte black color options, this year's iPhone 7 refresh would have admittedly been underwhelming as most buyers are not eager to buy the same basic handset design for three years in a row. Which begs the question of Jet Black AirPods you've been dreaming about.

Colors are important and no matter how you look at it, black-clad AirPods would perfectly compliment the superior sheen of Jet Black iPhone 7. Well, earlier this month Dutch artist Martin Hajek took it upon himself to imagine what a pair of AirPods done in black would look like.

Samsung developing own AirPods-like earphones for Galaxy S8 launch

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 30, 2016

Samsung is probably going to rip off AirPods next: the company should debut all-new wireless earphones alongside Galaxy S8 launch, according to confidential information received by SamMobile. “Samsung is surely looking to put out a product that competes with Apple’s AirPods,” reads the report.

Samsung, of course, was found guilty of lifting Apple's hardware and software designs in the past.

It currently owes the Cupertino firm hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Back in 2015, Samsung copied the look and feel of Apple's wired EarPods for Galaxy S6.

AirPods manufacturer Inventec is expanding capacity to meet strong demand

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 30, 2016

According to a brief report in the Chinese-language Economic Daily Times newspaper that was quoted Friday by DigiTimes, strong sales of the W1-enhanced AirPods and robust demand for Apple's earphones during the year-end holidays have prompted supplier Inventec to increase production capacity. While Inventec declined to comment on its orders, it's reportedly begun expanding capacity at its Shanghai plants, which are currently working overtime to deliver orders.

Cook says AirPods are a runaway success

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 28, 2016

Asked by CNBC to share some thoughts in terms of AirPods, Apple's boss Tim Cook responded by calling his company's first Bluetooth earphones “a runaway success”. The CEO visited the floor of the New York Stock Exchange earlier this morning while on vacation.

“We're making them just as fast as we can,” Cook responded when asked about the lack of available stock. Cook also shared a few tidbits regarding Apple's holiday sales in a quick interview with CNBC.

Some early adopters of AirPods complain of battery drainage issues with charging case

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 28, 2016

An unknown portion of early AirPods adopters are faced with battery drain issues with the charging case, which was designed to extend AirPods' advertised five-hour run time to up to 24 hours while on the go.

According to a thread on Reddit, one customer's charging case went from a full 100 percent charge to just fifty percent after leaving his AirPods in the case overnight. “The other two days I used about five hours and the case was already down to thirty percent,” one poster wrote.

Nomad’s Rugged iPhone case makes plastic look classy

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

The new Nomad Rugged case has been my daily driver case for close to a month now, and having had the opportunity to go hands-on with it for that long, I have to say I think I’ll probably continue using it for a while longer.

Built into this incredibly thin, yet protective design is a case that can withstand your everyday clumsiness and still look good while doing it. Nomad’s design team has created a TPU-based case that actually looks good that can still take a hit and save your iPhone.

Withings products removed from Apple Stores following Nokia patent row

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 26, 2016

iOS-compatible smart bathroom scales, thermometers, fitness watches and other HomeKit-enabled smart accessories by French health tracking company Withings have been removed from both online and brick-and-mortar Apple Stores following the latest legal spat with Nokia.

Wait, what do Withings products have to do with the Nokia patent row, you ask. Well, Nokia bought Withings in April 2016 for a reported $192 million, integrating their products into its Digital Health unit led by former Withings CEO Cedric Hutchings. The removal was first reported by MacRumors.

The NomadPlus turns your iPhone power adapter into a portable battery

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

For everyday charging of your iPhone, the supplied power adapter that comes in your Apple retail packaging will suffice, but if you go places a lot, then having an AC adapter that can not only charge your iPhone, but also store power for charging when away from the plug is a must.

Nomad comes the rescue in this department with an ingenious idea; a special type of AC adapter known as the NomadPlus that includes a built-in 1,800 mAh battery inside.

Pokémon GO launches on Apple Watch with Activity and Workout integration

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 22, 2016

To all of those who have been waiting to play Pokémon GO on the Apple Watch since the game developers teased it at Apple’s September keynote event, you can finally stop holding your breath because it’s now available.

Pokémon GO for the Apple Watch comes in an update (version 1.21.2) to the existing iPhone app from the App Store, so after installing it, you’ll be able to add it to your Apple Watch just like you would with any watch app you’re already using.

Mujjo is a high quality leather wallet case for iPhone at a great price

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 21, 2016

The phenomenon of wallet case popularity among iPhone owners hasn’t gone unnoticed by luxury case makers, and the Mujjo case is just one of those sexy options that leather lovers will have a hard time resisting.

Crafted out of vegetable-tanned leather and internally lined with a layer of suede to keep your iPhone cradled with the softest touch possible, the Mujjo is a luxurious travel case made for anyone who doesn’t want to lug their wallet around with them just to carry an ID and credit card on them at all times.

Apple starts accepting orders for LG’s 27″ UltraFine 5K Display, ships in 2-4 weeks

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 20, 2016

LG's UltraFine 5K Display, the external ultra high-resolution display Apple didn't want to make, is now available to order through Apple.com. The display can be ordered with Apple's in-store pickup option (availability of in-store pickup may vary from one store to another). First orders were scheduled to deliver on December 27 or 28, with in-store pickup availability on December 29. However, estimated delivery times quickly slipped to 2-4 weeks.