Accessories

Frē series from LifeProof is a waterproof iPhone 6 case

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

These days, when you hear the word “waterproof” in reference to a smartphone case, chances are it is actually more likely water-resistant, not waterproof. There is a very important distinction between the two. Water-resistant means it can get rained on, while waterproof means it meets the universal standard for still working after being submerged to a certain depth of water for a certain length of time.

LifeProof’s Frē series iPhone 6 case is as waterproof as a case can get and still provides access to the screen and all usable ports. Whether you are diving into the Caspian Sea, skiing down the Alps, or attending an outdoor wedding in November, this case has you covered.

JOTO is a solid tempered glass screen protector for iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Screen protection is a varied subject. Some iPhone owners will argue that the screen is tough enough to withstand all manner of abuse without leaving behind a scratch. Others believe that, not even a single fingerprint should ever touch the ion-strengthened touch screen.

JOTO is a screen protector made from tempered glass to satisfy those in the latter camp. If you are going to cover your screen with something, why not make it the strongest protector on the market.

Kickstarter project brings MagSafe inspired functionality to standard 3.5mm audio jack

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 24, 2015

It's too early to tell whether or not Apple's latest one-port Mac notebook spells doom for MagSafe, Apple's proprietary magnetically attached power connectors. Be that as it may, a duo of entrepreneurial engineers is taking a page from Apple's book to implement magnets on the types of connectors we use the most.

Magzet, a new Kickstarter project by Jon Hallsten and Jeff Russell, is aiming to do for standard 3.5mm audio jacks what MagSafe has done for Apple notebooks.

Review: Twelve South SurfacePad, a stylish jacket for your iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

In the market for a smartphone case that offers reasonable protection and doesn't bulk up your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? Look no further than the SurfacePad, a stylish, ultra-slim protection for your precious pocket computer by Twelve South, the premium maker of Apple-exclusive accessories.

Unveiled in November 2014, the SurfacePad is a leather jacket that doesn't conceal key design elements of Apple's gorgeous new iPhones. It's going to appeal to fashion conscious types like yours truly who like their iPhones naked.

But how does it hold up in everyday life and, more crucially, over longer periods of use? Having used the SurfacePad exclusively as my iPhone 6 Plus case for the past four months, here's what I was able to gather from my hands-on experience with it.

Fitbit Surge gains bike-tracking, multi device support announced

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 23, 2015

Monday, fitness tracker maker Fitbit took pre-emptive steps ahead of Apple Watch launch next month, giving its fitness bands new features.

The company announced a new outdoor bike-tracking feature on its $249 Surge fitness tracker. In addition, it rolled out multi-tracker support allowing users to easily switch between multiple Fitbit models throughout the day. Multi-band support allows Fitbit fans to register up to six fitness trackers in their Fitbit account, one of each model.

The system then automatically pings the user when she or he switches trackers.

Spigen’s Air Skin Soft is an ultrathin case for iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ March 20, 2015

Now that the iPhone screen size is so much larger, a thick case is out of the question for most people. Protecting your iPhone 6 while maintaining the slim feel is not that easy, considering even a quarter of an inch makes a huge difference.

Spigen’s Air Skin Soft Clear case is thin enough to cover your case with the thickness of a piece of cloth, so the added coat is practically unnoticeable.

Inexpensive Apple Watch band adapter Adappt launches on Indiegogo

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 16, 2016

With April's launch of the Apple Watch on the horizon, we're starting to see first adapters designed to let Watch wearers use their device with third-party watch bands, not just Apple's.

Advertised as the first and patent pending adapter for standard straps for the Apple Watch, the Adappt by four Italian students, two of which are behind the inCharge, a tiny keyring USB charging cable, has now launched on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo.

The Adappt lets you wear your Apple Watch with any band. But don't let this quite simple idea fool you, the Adappt is quite ingenious.

Twelve South launches portable MacBook stand that folds up like iPad Smart Cover

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 18, 2015

Hot on the heels of unveiling its HiRise charging stand for the Apple Watch, premium accessory maker Twelve South on Wednesday announced another interesting accessory. This one attaches to the bottom of any MacBook and folds up to an instant stand akin to Apple's Smart Cover for iPad.

The BaseLift typing stand, as they're calling it, is a remarkable 3.7 millimeter thin, has a microfiber-layered pad and stays attached to the bottom of your MacBook all the time, so you’ll never forget it.

The Elago Slimfit2 is an attractive minimalist case for iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

It is slim. It is clean. It protects your iPhone without calling attention to it. It is Elago’s S6 Slimfit2, and minimalists will appreciate its subtleness and unassuming design.

If you prefer simplicity when protecting your gadgets, the S6 Slimfit2 has an ultra low profile made from flexible and durable polycarbonate available in 15 different colors. The soft texture case uses double-coating with an over paint and under paint to improve grip while keeping germs and bacteria from being able to stick to it.

Nomad unveils beautiful stand and charging station accessories for Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Accessory maker Nomad has created a “methodically designed, expertly crafted” stand for your Apple Watch that is just as pretty and functional as Apple's wrist-worn gizmo. Dubbed the Stand, it suspends your Watch mid-air while providing MagSafe access to its Zirconia backing.

Another accessory called the Pod will be available as well, basically a mobile charging solution for your device with a built-in rechargeable 1,800mAh lithium polymer battery that quadruples your Apple Watch battery life.

Apple pulling Jawbone and Nike fitness devices from retail stores

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple is halting sales of competing fitness bands, as it prepares to launch the Apple Watch next month. As noted by Recode earlier today, several Apple stores have begun pulling Jawbone and Nike devices from their shelves, and a quick search of the US web store returns similar results.

The Cupertino firm made a similar move in the fall of last year, pulling FitBit products from its shelves. This may be a bit less significant, though, given Jawbone's smaller marketshare and Nike's decision to focus its efforts on fitness software rather than produce anymore FuelBand hardware.

LaCie unveils first USB-C external hard drive for new MacBook

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Following a bit of backlash that Apple has only chosen to include a USB-C port on the new MacBook, LaCie is working to appease customers with the first external hard drive and accessory for the new Apple creation. Unveiled on Tuesday, the Porsche Design Mobile Drive has been updated to perfectly suit the new Mac with USB-C.