Accessories

Apple to add after-sales service for Beats headphones and speakers

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 14, 2014

Apple mays start providing after-sales service for Beats headphones and speakers soon, according to a report from Greek technology blog TechInGreek.com [Google Translate] which dug up an internal document showing that Apple Service Providers in the country are gearing up to provide service for Beats Electronics gear.

If authorized Service Providers are going to be adding Beats after-sales service, Apple should follow suit.

Indeed, “in the near future, Apple will be responsible for providing service to customers with Beats Electronics products and accessories,” reads the memo Apple sent out to its Service Providers.

Apple said to remove Bose products from store shelves next week

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 10, 2014

Apple is reportedly on the verge of removing audio products and accessories by the audio equipment specialist Bose from both its store shelves in addition to the demo units as early as next week, MacRumors learned Friday from a source privy to the matter.

Although the report comes short on specifics, the decision may have something to do with Bose's patent infringement lawsuit against Beats. As you know, Apple purchased Beats Electronics and Beats Music for $3 billion earlier this year.

The development seemingly coincides with a new agreement Bose signed with the National Football League banning its players from wearing Beats headphones while on television.

The MOTO TC is a fun iPhone controlled rally race car

Jim Gresham ∙ October 6, 2014

If you are ready to hit the pavement, I suggest grabbing the Griffin MOTO TC Rally iPhone controlled toy car. That's right, no additional hardware is required, just your iPhone and the Bluetooth 4.0 controlled race car. As a child, teenager, and even as an adult, one of the biggest rushes in the toy world is remote controlling a toy car. Growing up, I used to make race tracks in the pine needles behind my parent's house. Not much has changed.

Bringing my childhood excitement in line with the 21st century, the MOTO TC is not only iPhone controlled, but also utilizes virtual damage control, weapon systems, and can monitor lap times. It is essentially like playing a console racing game, but with actual hardware.

The Truffol DuraSound offers big sound with small footprint

Jim Gresham ∙ October 3, 2014

There is an assortment of Bluetooth speakers on the market and almost any accessory maker thinks they should enter the flooded marketplace. With that attitude, your product should bring something a little different to the crowd. Truffol's DuraSound exists somewhere between business professional and outdoor appropriate.

DuraSound has a very conservative, simple, rectangular design, with a flat matte finished front and back grill. This simple design with clean edges and finishes makes it suitable for the office. In contrast, the color-matched silicon bumper allows the device to be toted around for after hour drinks.

Pebble smartwatches get new fitness features, cheaper prices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Pebble today announced that it is releasing an update for all of its Pebble and Pebble Steel smartwatches to add new features. The two devices are now capable of tracking a wearer's footsteps and sleep activity in the background, fulfilling a long time request by users.

Pebble says that these new capabilities won't have a major impact on battery life, and added that it is extending its fitness partnerships with new apps from Jawbone and Swim.com. The team is also opening up its activity tracking features to other 3rd party developers.

Apple Watch goes on display at Colette boutique in Paris

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Several photos have appeared on Instagram and Twitter this morning showing the Apple Watch on display at Colette's boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. On Monday it was reported that Apple was planning a joint promotional event with the French retailer.

More specifically, Colette is now prominently showcasing various models of the Apple Watch in its high profile windows. It has also updated its website announcing that the boutique is inviting people to come preview the wearable device in a special one-day event.

iPhone 6 cases: a look at OtterBox’s lineup

Jim Gresham ∙ September 27, 2014

For more than a decade, Apple users have entrusted their precious devices to OtterBox. The company has established itself within the smartphone community as the go-to source for ultimate protection. One of the first to market with extremely high protective capability, it seems other case makers are still trying to play catchup.

iPhone 6 launched last week and so did OtterBox' protective series. Making sure iPhone owners do not leave their new devices open for damage, OtterBox debuted four complete protective case solutions and two screen protectors. Inside, we take a deeper look at the line up.

Orcas Bluetooth earbuds are designed for an active lifestyle

Jim Gresham ∙ September 21, 2014

You are pumping iron at the gym. You are training for the half marathon. You are cooking in the kitchen. You are commuting on the train. You are listening to Let's Talk iOS on the couch. All of these scenarios, have you tethered to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a corded headset. Nothing is more annoying than ripping your iPhone off the treadmill at the gym because you accidentally caught your headphone cable while reaching for a bottle of water.

I am the guy that wraps his iPhone in a sturdy case at the gym because I just cannot seem to stop dropping it. If I had a pair of wireless headphones, all of my problems would be solved. While Bluetooth headphones have been a thing for some time, I have only stumbled across over the ear cans or giant muffs. No one wants to use a giant pair of headphones while doing a physical activity except people who love their Beats. Take a step inside to read about the Orcas Bluetooth earbuds, my new favorite pair of activity minded buds that were sent over by Outdoor Tech.

iPhone 6 cases: a look at Spigen’s line up

Jim Gresham ∙ September 18, 2014

We are all anxiously waiting for the iPhone 6 launch on Friday, September 19. While some have been lined up for weeks, others constantly refresh their browsers in hopes of seeing their precious pre-ordered device move from one state to another. Currently, most people are simply worried about getting iPhone 6 into their little hands.

Others also worry about keeping their iPhone protected from the moment it leaves the Apple cocoon. Personally, I am an Apple nudist, but with a penchant for perfection, I hate to see a scratch on my iPhone. Additionally, the rising cost of Apple's device with the iPhone Plus may also cause some additional interest in keeping the device shielded. Over the weekend, I put together an early iPhone 6 case round up but it appears Spigen hosts one of the largest order-ready inventories. Inside we take a look of all the cases they have to offer.

Prevent fraying cables with AwesomeCables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

We spent several Let's Talk iOS episodes chatting about fraying cables. Many people suffer from OEM Lightning cables that over time fray near the tip. Arguably, this happens from bending, flexing, and tugging on the cable. Personally, like Cody, I have never experienced this problem. However, most of my cables remain in place, whether in the office, kitchen or car, I do not tote them around. Also, I am careful to pull them from the pin head, as opposed to using the wire as my tugging point.

Here to resolve several issues, including the fray, is AwesomeCables. The newly released 6' Braided Cable showed up for review, thanks to their offer. I am a big fan of the build quality and, most importantly, MFi certification.

Early iPhone 6 case roundup

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

With the actual product launch behind us, we can turn to the accessory realm. Dedicated devices have been in production behind the scenes and I received information about a few select versions about a week ago. The cases in the post are either going on sale today or by week's end. Either way, the purchasing link is included below the case description.

Keep in mind, early production cases sometimes are not built on actual dimensions, instead using dummy devices that leak from the Chinese supply chain. Having never held any of these in my hands, or even an iPhone 6 for that matter, I cannot guarantee exact fit. However, if you are looking to keep your iPhone protected from day 1, you may want to nab one of these guys.

You don’t have an iPhone 6 yet, but you can already win a case for it [winners announced]

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated September 22, 2014

You were barely able to pre-order your new iPhone 6 Friday morning, but don't stop that from entering our iPhone 6 case giveaway, brought to you by the fine folks over at Spigen. Unlike Apple and the carriers, iDB's servers will most definitely be able to handle the traffic of this special giveaway, so if you have a couple minutes to spare, and want a chance to win a case for your yet-to-be-delivered iPhone 6, you've come to the right place.