Accessories

Have a look at Apple’s new iPhone docks and cases

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

In addition to the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple on Wednesday announced new accessories for its next-generation handsets. The products didn't get much stage time, but listed on Apple's website are a new Lightning dock, leather and silicon cases, in new colorways.

The new dock is very similar to the one Apple announced in May, except now it's available in iPhone-matching colors Gold, Rose Gold, Space Gray and Silver. It's compatible with all late-model iPhones and iPod touches, and will be available for online order today for $49.

Apple introduces new Pencil stylus for iPad Pro

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Following its announcement of the long-rumored iPad Pro, Apple introduced two new accessories for the 12.9-inch tablet. The first is the keyboard, which you can read about here, and the second is a stylus accessory that the company is calling the 'Apple Pencil.'

Apple used a traditional Jony Ive-voiceover video to unveil the Pencil, with the newly-appointed Chief Design Officer saying "Apple Pencil is designed to look and feel like a familiar tool. Highly responsive sensors built into Pencil can sense pressure, tilt, and stroke."

Apple unveils new Apple Watch models and bands, shipping today

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple kicked off its big "Hey Siri" event this morning by talking about the Apple Watch. The company announced several new upcoming apps from the platform, including Facebook Messenger, a GoPro companion app, and a really cool app called AirStrip which is billed as a "game-changer for healthcare."

In addition to new apps, Apple also unveiled new Watch models and bands. Perhaps the most interesting new models is the Apple Watch Hermes, which was developed in conjunction with the popular luxury designer. There are also new gold and rose gold anodized models for the Apple Watch Sport.

Snugg iPad Air 2 smart folio is a businessman’s case

Lory Gil ∙ September 9, 2015

The iPad Air 2 is about the size of a pad of lined paper, so it is no wonder that a folio case looks so good on it. If you are looking for more than just a cover with a stand, Snugg makes an executive smart folio that has all of the bells and whistles you'd want in your case. Plus, with the leather exterior, you'll look like a boss at all of your business meetings.

Sonos 5.1 Home Theater System brings true surround sound to your living room

Lory Gil ∙ September 7, 2015

Have you noticed that most television sets these days have terrible audio? Most of the time, you have to take into consideration a new speaker system when buying a new TV. The Sonos 5.1 Home Theater System is a surround sound kit that will turn your music listening experience into a fully immersive one, even if you are playing it through your iPhone 6.

Runtastic introduces Moment, an analog watch with fitness tracking features

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Runtastic on Friday announced the Moment, an analog watch with fitness tracking features. The maker of popular mobile fitness apps, which was recently acquired by Adidas, says the device has the potential to disrupt the wearables market because of its unique blend of traditional timekeeping and technology.

Like most fitness-focused wearables, the Moment is capable of tracking steps, distance, active minutes, calories burned, sleep cycles and goals. But unlike other trackers, it's waterproof up to 300 feet, so it can be used to track swimming, and it runs on a standard watch battery, so it doesn't need to be recharged.

Sphero launches iPhone-controlled astromech droid from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 4, 2015

Sphero, makers of the namesake spherical robot toy, today released a brand new connected toy, an iPhone-controlled BB-8 droid from the upcoming 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' movie. Yes, it’s now possible to explore the galaxy with your own trusty astromech droid by your side.

Featuring an adaptive personality that changes as you play, the little robot can show a range of expressions and even “perk up when you give voice commands”.

Infernal Innovations’ car mount magnetically suspends your phone

Timothy Reavis ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

One of the many first-world problems people face everyday is having a convenient place to stow their smartphone whilst driving. Leaving it in one’s pocket seems to be the default move, but if talking while driving is legal in your area, pulling a phone from your pocket is arguably more dangerous than the phone call itself. Even for simple tasks like skipping a song, or following driving directions, there has to be a better solution.

Samsung unveils CarMode for Galaxy, new SmartThings hub, sleep-tracking device and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2016

IFA, the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, is running from September 4 to 9 in Berlin. Ahead of the big event, Samsung Electronics has unveiled some rather interesting gadgets, including its own version of CarPlay, a sleep analysis accessory, its first 4K Blu-ray player and more.

More than anything, the company is betting big on so-called Internet of Things, a common moniker denoting software platforms powering smart devices that tap into the power of the cloud to achieve interoperability and rich data sharing.

To this extent, the South Korean giant last year purchased an open-platform smart home company, called SmartThings. Following the acquisition, SmartThings today unveiled its very first new product, a hub for the connected home that connects to cameras to monitor and protect your home.

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III brings the party to your people

Lory Gil ∙ September 3, 2015

Now that we have so many choices for our music streaming options, we have to figure out how we are going to transmit those audio waves to our ears. You may want to keep your music private by using headphones, or share your sound with others via a nice quality speaker.

If your speaker needs go beyond you and your close friends, it may be time to invest in a mid-range speaker that will provide enough sound to keep the party going, while still being portable enough to take with you to the next party of the night.

Bose's SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III is a perfect mix of high-quality, loud audio output and small sized portability.

Alpatronix AX400 is a tiny speaker with a big sound

Lory Gil ∙ September 2, 2015

When you are hanging out with friend, whether it is a backyard barbeque or a picnic in the park, music always makes the festivities a little more enjoyable. However, packing a heavy, large speaker into your picnic basket isn't exactly convenient.

Alpatronix AX400 Bluetooth speaker is less than five inches long and just over two inches tall. So, you can toss it in with all of your other outdoor gear and barely even notice its existence until you are ready to rock the tunes.

Brookstone’s 100-lumen pocket projector is about the size of Apple TV

Lory Gil ∙ September 1, 2015

One of my favorite summer activities involves watching movies in the backyard on a projector with a group of friends. Sometimes, however, you need a projector that super portable and doesn't need to be plugged into a power source to work.

Brookstone makes a 100-lumen pocket projector that is smaller than the average external hard drive and runs for two hours on a rechargeable battery. So, you can throw it into your backpack and take it with you on your next road trip.