Accessories

iClever is a dual charger smart enough to know which device it is charging

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

I've got so many wall chargers in my box of gadget accessories that I don't even know which ones originally came with which device. Some of them are not powerful enough to keep up with my iPad Air. If I accidentally grab the wrong one, I'm stuck with a trickle charge that won't even bring me back up to full overnight.

The iClever charger uses smartID technology to identify your device and provide it with the correct amount of juice. With two USB ports, you can charge multiple devices at once without having to fight over who gets the wall socket first.

Logitech announces three new ‘Logi BLOK’ protective cases for iPads

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 15, 2015

Accessory maker Logitech on Wednesday introduced the world to its all-new family of protective case, shell and keyboard cases for Apple's iPad. Called Logi BLOK, the latest accessories offer protection from drops up to six feet high and onto surfaces as hard as concrete. The lineup is comprised of the Logi BLOK Protective Shell, the Logi BLOK Protective Case and the Logi BLOK Protective Keyboard Case.

After announcing a new branding strategy earlier this month, today marks first Logitech products to have been released under the new Logi brand. All three accessories will be available for purchase in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and across select European markets in August.

Elivebuy leather wallet folio charges your iPhone 6 while protecting in style

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Depending on your personal style, you might want a rugged, classy, or flashy case for your iPhone 6. If you want a nice leather case, but also want the benefit of an external battery, then Elivebuy can help.

The leather wallet folio by Elivebuy features an Apple MFi certified 3400mAh power block that will recharge your battery to full so you can use it twice as long as without. Plus, the case is stylish on the outside and useful on the inside with credit card slots.

Review: Twelve South HiRise for Apple Watch—an unassuming charging dock and a great stand

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 11, 2015

Apple Watch stands are multiplying like rabbits and getting more useful. Today, I get to tell you all about the HiRise for Apple Watch.

This is one of the first stands for Apple’s wearable device and the very first watch stand from Twelve South, a company based in Charleston, South Carolina which has been designing premium accessories exclusively for use with Apple devices.

Like their popular HiRise stand for iPhone and iPad, the Apple Watch edition helps protect your device while it's charging. And like other Twelve South products, it looks gorgeous and was designed to support all Apple Watch sizes, models and bands.

But is it worth your attention? Read on for all the details.

Spigen’s Stealth offers a different take on the car dashboard mount

Lory Gil ∙ July 9, 2015

Just like smartphones, dashboard mount style is a personal thing. Maybe you like your mount to attach to your windshield. Perhaps you prefer a flexible snaking neck. There are a number of different types of dashboard mounts. Finding the right one for you is key to a happy driving experience.

Take Spigen's Stealth, for example. It looks different than other mounts in that it has a sort of clothespin style design. Instead of a suction cup that you stick to your dash, this mount sits on top for a minimalist look.

iKross Universal car mount makes good use of your cup holder

Lory Gil ∙ July 8, 2015

When driving around, having your iPhone in a convenient location for GPS tracking and music listening is not only helpful, but potentially life saving. A car mount will give you a safe place to store your iPhone, but what about charging?

The iKross Universal Car Cup Holder is a car mount for your cup holder that includes up to five additional charging ports so everyone can charge up on their next road trip without having to switch out.

Kenu Airframe portable car mount provides safer viewing for iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

There are a few alternatives to unsightly (and in some states, illegally) dashboard mounts that make it possible for you to experience safer viewing of your iPhone 6 in your car. The vent mount is one of them.

Kenu's Airframe is a universal car mount that is small enough to fit in your pocket, but designed to support your iPhone 6 while it sits in your air vent. So, you can still see what's on screen without having to mount it to your dashboard, or even worse, look down.

Review: Monowear third-party Apple Watch band

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

The folks over at Monowear sent me a couple of their third-party Apple Watch bands to try out. I've always been a little skeptical about third-party bands, because I worry about their quality, and whether or not they can truly match up to what Apple provided us with.

I've never tried a third-party band until now, but I can tell you that along with being inexpensive relative to what Apple's charging, these bands are high quality and have a great fit. If I was in the market for a third-party, and I just might be after trying these out for the last few days, I'd definitely give Monowear a look.

The Ninja Sports is an armband that will carry your iPhone 6 and much more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

When out for a jog, you may want to have your iPhone 6 close at hand (or arm), but also need a place to keep your keys and ID. A rattling set of keys in the pocket is an annoying distraction and if your workout clothes are too lose or too tight, you might risk losing important stuff, like your ID.

Avantree's Ninja Sports armband is big enough to house your iPhone 6 with enough room and a separate pouch for keys, cards, and other things you might want to take along on your jog.

Confirmed: Apple Music coming to Sonos systems by end of 2015

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 28, 2015

Apple Music is a really great service until you realize that Spotify, the world leader in music streaming, works across a bunch of mobile and desktop platforms and is supported by dozens of Hi-Fi equipment, wireless speakers, gaming consoles, connected TV sets and more.

But Apple does not intend to ignore this aspect of Spotify. In what could only be described as a hint of broader third-party support in the works, both Sonos and Apple have now officially confirmed working together to bring Apple Music to Sonos hardware by the end of the year.

‘Reserve Strap’ adds 30 hours of battery life to your Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

In March, developers Lane Musgrave and John Arrow announced that they were working on a battery band for the Apple Watch. Not many details were available at the time, but now that the Watch has been out for a few months, the team is ready to make things official.

Meet the Reserve Strap. It's a band that charges your Apple Watch using embedded batteries and a connection to the device's hidden accessory port. Musgrave and Arrow claim that their product is capable of adding more than 30 additional hours of battery life to your Watch.

Ballistic’s Tough Jacket for iPhone 6 offers excellent protection at an affordable price

Lory Gil ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

Probably the most damage that can be done to an iPhone in a single drop is the dreaded corner impact. A corner crash could mean a small scratch, or the complete destruction of the entire screen, plus possibly more. Ballistic's Tough Jacket has reinforced corners to protect from the annihilating affects of a corner drop.