Accessories

Apple now offering in-store pickup for AirPods with February 8 availability

As first noted by AppleInsider, Apple yesterday began offering the in-store pickup option for its newly launched AirPods wireless earphones. Apple.com online store in the United States indicated at post time that first AirPods ordered with the in-store pickup option would be available on February 8.

If you choose to have AirPods shipped to your home, they're estimated to arrive in six weeks.

Apple extends limited time USB-C accessory price cuts through end of March 2017

Apple told The Loop's Jim Dalrymple that it is extending USB-C accessory price cuts from end of the year to March 31, 2017.

Responding to a flurry of complaints targeting the new MacBook Pro, the company originally said a month and a half ago that it would temporarily cut the prices on USB -C adapters and peripherals it sells in its stores through the end of the year.

Teardown analysis suggests AirPods charging case quality issues might have caused delayed launch

Having torn apart Apple's AirPods wireless earphones and their charging case, repair masters over at iFixit have now posted their initial observations. AirPods have so many components crammed into tight space that the they're virtually not repairable or recyclable. As for the charging case, an X-ray analysis of its logic board reveals a few “quality issues” that may have contributed to the delayed AirPods launch.

10 great gift ideas for iPhone-controlled fun

Welcome to the latest edition of iDB’s ongoing Gift Ideas series, where we provide curated roundups of some of our favorite products. Throughout the year we cover and test a number of devices and accessories, so we decided to use that experience to help those searching for the perfect present. Today’s roundup is focused on RC (remote control) vehicles that can be controlled via iPhone.

10 great gift ideas for a smarter home

Welcome to the latest edition of iDB’s ongoing Gift Ideas series, where we provide curated roundups of some of our favorite products. Throughout the year we cover and test a number of devices and accessories, so we decided to use that experience to help those searching for the perfect present. Today’s roundup is focused on gift ideas that help make homes smarter.

Twelve South launches all-new Journal case, BookBook for iPhone 7 now available

Want to give your new iPhone 7 that vintage look without sacrificing device protection? Look no further than BookBook, the family of stylish leather cases from premium accessory maker Twelve South. Starting today, their BookBook case is available for iPhone 7/Plus and they also have an all-new edition, called Journal. Billed as their most luxurious folio case, Journal uses full-grain leather on both the outside and inside for a clean look.

Like BookBook, Journal features slots for cards, cash and ID. Both BookBook and Journal are now available for $59.99 and $69.99, respectively.

Aukey’s 30,000 mAh battery pack stores lots of power and charges with Lightning

There are a ton of battery packs out there, and we just showed you a couple of very stout options from Anker last month, but for those who need even more juice, Aukey has a versatile 30,000 mAh battery pack with handy unique features.

Because I was personally impressed with the build quality and features this battery pack had to offer, I’m excited to show you everything it can do.

10 great gift ideas for travelers

Welcome to the latest edition of iDB’s ongoing Gift Ideas series, where we provide curated roundups of some of our favorite products. Throughout the year we cover and test a number of devices and accessories, so we decided to use that experience to help those searching for the perfect present. Today’s roundup is focused on gift ideas for folks who like to travel.

Apple warns customers to stay away from counterfeit chargers and batteries

Apple this morning updated its Support website with a notice cautioning customers to stay away from counterfeit and even some third-party chargers and batteries that it says could result in safety issues due to the fact that they may not be designed properly. “Beware of counterfeit parts,” says the notice. As for the batteries, the company is advising customers to visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to ensure they receive a genuine Apple battery replacement.

Apple delays W1-equipped BeatsX earphones until February 2017

While Apple's online store this morning began accepting orders for $159 AirPods ahead of their Christmas delivery, another pair of earphones from Apple that use W1 chip just got delayed.

Announced at the iPhone 7 event in September and originally listed as arriving in late-2016, Beats X Wireless Earphones won't be available before February 2017, according to Apple's online store.

AirPods now available to buy from Apple.com

Following an unexpected delay over manufacturing issues, AirPods are now finally available to purchase from Apple's online store, with delivery before Christmas. Apple's first Bluetooth earphones, AirPods feature an in-house designed wireless chip, dubbed W1, which provides reliable wireless connection, extended battery life and a few smart features, such as one-tap Siri integration, seamless zero-configuration pairing via iCloud, the ability for AirPods to automatically turn on when you put them in your ear and more. When used with non-Apple devices, the $159 earphones act as any standard Bluetooth device.

Bring your padlocks up to the 21st century with the Dog & Bone LockSmart Mini

Chances are you have a thing or two that you like to keep locked away with a padlock of some sort.

Whether you need it for a locker at school or work, or to keep a gate or shed closed at home, you can bring your padlocks up to the 21st century with the Dog and Bone LockSmart Mini, which utilizes wireless Bluetooth connectivity so you can unlock the padlock with your smartphone.