Accessories

Review: Native Union docks for iPhone and Apple Watch

Andrew O'Hara ∙ May 20, 2016

It isn't often that a single company creates an iPhone dock as well as an Apple Watch dock, and designs them in tandem. They often look entirely different, or the company that makes your favorite iPhone dock, doesn't even make an Apple Watch dock. A company as design-focused as Apple would never let something like that happen, and neither does Native Union. They recently released their new line of docks for iPhone and Apple Watch, and they completely compliment one another.

OWC’s new driver adds Boot Camp support to all of its aftermarket SSD upgrades

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 19, 2016

In March, Other World Computing (OWC) launched the world's first SSD upgrade for 2013 and later MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display computers. The storage upgrades came in 480GB and 1TB flavors, and we recently showed you the install process of the 1TB OWC Aura SSD upgrade.

There was unfortunately a caveat that disallowed you to use Apple's Boot Camp feature with the drives, which meant you were limited to installing one operating system on it at a time, or using a virtual machine instead of partitioning the drive and dual-booting your Mac.

As of today, OWC has fixed this problem with a new universal driver that enables Boot Camp on all of OWC's SSD upgrades to date.

The right band for the occasion

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 5, 2018

I went to a wedding in Chicago this past weekend, and I as I was packing my suitcase, I started thinking about what kind of Apple Watch band I would bring along with me. The Nomad Strap for the flight, and the Link Bracelet for the wedding? Or just the Link Bracelet? Or maybe buy a Milanese Loop?

It was the first time I realized the band I am using on my Apple Watch is just as important as what I am wearing.

Twelve South’s BookBook vintage-style case now available for iPad Pro

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 18, 2016

Twelve South's BookBook vintage leather case series is now available in iPad Pro sizes, the company announced today. The new BookBook for iPad Pro has a built-in kickstand that tilts the device to the sketcher’s angle for effortless drawing, painting and sketching. Plus, it folds easily into upright mode so that you can present more easily.

As a nice bonus, the case has a built-in holster inside its spine for an Apple Pencil or another stylus brand. BookBook for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is available starting today, while a version for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is slated to arrive later this summer.

STM Haven laptop bag review: high functionality packed into a minimal design

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 4, 2018

Ever since I was a kid I've been a closet edc/bag nerd. The more zippers and pockets, the better. There's just always been something oh-so-satisfying to me about discovering new ways to pack and travel with things more efficiently. So naturally I jumped at the chance to try out STM's Haven laptop bag.

The Haven is a backpack-style bag, equipped to fit most 15-inch laptops, that incorporates a minimal design constructed of great materials. It also offers features like pass-through holes for USB cables that help keep your stuff both organized and accessible while on the move. Read on for my full review.

iQunix makes an affordable, high-quality stand for MacBook

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 16, 2016

If you're looking for a durable aluminum stand for your Apple notebook, then don't count out iQunix. Although the popular brand names look appealing and are tried and true, we had the chance to go hands-on with the iQunix Edin, which is also a very high-quality stand for all MacBook models, all this at a lower price.

In this review, we'll show you how the iQunix Edin looks and touch on its build quality and features. Don't be shy; we think you're gonna like it!

Google’s own Amazon Echo-like accessory, dubbed ‘Chirp’ is landing soon

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 13, 2016

Code-named 'Chirp', Google's upcoming hardware appliance will integrate the company's search and voice assistant technologies akin to the Amazon Echo, and is landing soon, Re/code reported yesterday.

The rumored device should resemble Google's OnHub wireless router, according to several sources.

If the increasing popularity of Amazon's integrated wireless speaker and voice command device is an indication—it's estimated they sold three million Echo units to date—Google's rumored accessory could prove popular with users, especially given Google's expertise in voice and search.

How to use your iPhone as a mouse or trackpad

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated July 3, 2018

Your iOS devices have some of the best touch screens out there. As a matter of fact your iPhone screen makes for a great mouse, or trackpad.

The idea of using iOS devices as a trackpad for your computer isn't new, but Mobile Mouse Remote is a great app that provides this kind of functionality with ease of use in mind. It even packs some useful bonus features.

If you're interested in this kind of functionality for your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, then this is something you're going to want to check out.

Brand new ‘Accessibility’ section launches on Apple Online Store

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 5, 2016

Confirming earlier rumors, the Apple Online Store has begun selling accessibility-related accessories and peripherals via a dedicated Accessibility section, as first discovered by Amusement. At the time of this writing, the store listed about fifteen accessories separated into sub-categories such as Vision, Physical & Motor Skills and Learning & Literacy products, with more to be added at a later stage.

The iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac accessories listed on the Accessibility section were designed to help people with various disabilities operate their devices, learn, play, create music and more.

Twelve South TimePorter for Apple Watch review

Andrew O'Hara ∙ May 3, 2016

I travel quite often and have spent an embarrassing amount of time looking for the perfect travel charger for my Apple Watch. I want to pack a few extra bands, the charging puck, and the wall adapter. Yet nothing I've run across can handle all that, let alone while looking good. That was at least the case before I ran across the TimePorter from Twelve South.

Magnasonic’s pocket-sized LED Pico projector lets you take the big screen anywhere

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated July 1, 2023

Magnasonic's new LED Pico Projector is just what you need if you're an on-the-go business person, want to watch movies on your wall, or need a quick way to show off a presentation at work or in class. But the uses don't stop there.

I first saw these little portable LED projectors emerging on the market just a couple of years ago, and I've been itching to try one ever since, but the technology is really coming around to being practical for use and the prices are just starting to become more affordable.

In this review, we'll show you how Magnasonic's new LED Pico Projector works and walk you through all of its features.

KUKE: an affordable iPhone battery case with built-in storage expansion

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated November 10, 2022

Because your battery is such a precious asset to your iPhone, you can never go wrong with trying to expand its life. This is especially the scenario for people who put a lot of miles on their device each day, sending hundreds of text messages back and forth with friends and checking social media on a regular basis.

The KUKE, made by Kuner Tech, is a battery case for the iPhone, fresh out of an Indiegogo campaign, that does away with the clunkiness of many third-party options, and blows Apple's Smart Battery Case out of the water in performance and usability. Not only will it give you a truckload more battery life for your iPhone, but it also provides additional storage space for your documents, media, and more.

In this review, we'll show you what the KUKE case is all about!