Accessories

Spigen introduces new cases for 4.7-inch iPhone 6

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 10, 2017

We've seen a handful of alleged iPhone 6 cases in the past few months, but for the most part they've been nameless one-offs. Today, however, major accessory-maker Spigen has thrown its hat into the proverbial next-gen ring with new Thin Fit and Thin Fit A cases.

For those unfamiliar with Spigen, it's an Irvine, California-based company that makes cases, screen protectors and various other accessories for smartphones and tablets. And clearly, it's very confident that it knows what Apple's next handset is going to look like...

Flir One case that gives your iPhone thermal imaging capabilities goes on pre-order

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 1, 2018

An accessory maker called Flir at CES back in January announced its novel case promising to give your iPhone true thermal-imaging capabilities.

Based on technology that was formerly reserved for the military, the Flir One case brings high-end thermal imaging to your iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s, giving the iconic smartphone Predator-like vision.

The case is coming to Apple retail stores in the United States, Canada and Europe in August and today the company has started accepting pre-orders...

Apple granted ‘iTime’ patent for smart wristband

Cody Lee ∙ July 22, 2014

With no physical evidence supporting the ongoing 'iWatch' rumors, we continue to search for other forms of proof that Apple is indeed working on a smartwatch. And today, we are adding a new piece to the puzzle with the 'iTime' patent.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the Cupertino company a patent today for a new device called the 'iTime.' It's described as a smart wristband that contains various sensors and wireless radios, so it can talk to other devices...

T-Mobile announces accessory payment plans coming July 20th

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

As expected, T-Mobile has announced that it plans to begin offering accessories under its equipment installment plan. The program, which initially launched last year, allows customers to purchase mobile devices [and now accessories] for $0 and small monthly payments spread out over two years.

The plan does not require a downpayment for qualified customers, and applies to all accessories priced between $69 and $250. Customers must be a T-Mobile subscriber, with a Simple Choice plan, and if the service is ever terminated, they'll be required to pay the remaining monthly payments in full...

Logitech announces Protection+ iPhone 5/5s case, arriving next month

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 16, 2014

Accessory maker Logitech on Wednesday announced a new rugged case for Apple's iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s featuring sleek appearance and offering shock absorption and protection from drops of up to six feet (works out to about 1.8 meters).

In addition, the company introduced the +Trip accessory for mounting an iPhone or just about any other smartphone to your car's air vents. The Protection+ case works with Logitec's new +Drive and +Trip attachments that let you affix your iPhone to a car’s windshield or dashboard using built-in suction cup...

Apple iBeacon hardware revealed in FCC filings

Cody Lee ∙ July 13, 2014

Apple's iBeacon technology has seen a lot of success in its first year. The tech, which allows administrators to push data to smartphones based on their location, has already been adopted by a number of retailers and organizations.

But thus far, Apple's success with iBeacons has been limited to software, as it's left the hardware up to third-party firms. It looks like that's about to change, though, as FCC filings reveal that the company has built its own iBeacon...

Adidas adds to the fitness tracker craze with the ‘Fit Smart’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

If you were disappointed to hear that Nike was shuttering its FuelBand hardware, never fear, another major sportswear brand is picking up the baton. Adidas has unveiled its latest fitness tracking device, the miCoach Fit Smart, this week.

Revealed in San Francisco, during the Wearable Technologies Conference 2014, the device is capable of measuring your steps taken, pace, burned calories, heart rate, and more. It's also durable, lightweight, and sweatproof (not waterproof)...

Misfit and Beddit launch paper-thin sleep monitoring iOS accessory

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 4, 2016

Misfit, which created the sleek Shine fitness tracker, has partnered with Beddit, the maker of sleep-analysis accessories, on the Misfit Beddit Sleep System, an ultra-thin sleep monitoring gadget which works with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.

The "paper-thin" strip-like sensor tracks sleep cycles by measuring physiological signals that affect your sleep quality. The data is then wirelessly passed along to the free Misfit for iPhone app over Bluetooth for detailed analysis of a user's heart rate, respiration, movement, snoring and sound...

The Magnus Mini iPad stand is a minimalist obsession

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Ten One Design is mostly known for the Pogo Stylus, which comes in multiple designs. Bumping into the team at CES, I was able to get a glance at the Magnus Mini, their new iPad mini stand. It is one of the most simplistically designed iPad stands I have ever used. With just a small base and a minimal lip, iPad is held at a perfect angle to remain standing with as little effort as possible.

In comparison to other much more complicated docks or stands, the Magnus Mini is a welcomed change to the otherwise overly dramatic iPad dock arena...

Mophie adds 64GB option to Space Pack battery case for iPhone 5/5s

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 3, 2014

As Samsung's latest 'Wall Huggers' Galaxy ad suggests - you, sir, are constantly on the lookout for power outlets and tethered to the wall because there's no way you could replace that sealed battery with a spare one. If that ad hit a nerve, why not consider a battery pack for your device?

Accessory maker Mophie has just what you need.

Not only does its Space Pack iPhone 5/5s case double your iPhone’s runtime with a built-in 1700mAh battery, the 16 or 32 gigabytes of on-board flash chips increase your iPhone's own built-in storage. Today, Mophie added a new variant to the lineup featuring a whopping 64 gigabytes. The best bit: it's available for pre-order now...

Microsoft reportedly building iOS-compatible fitness band

Cody Lee ∙ July 2, 2014

Like Apple and several others, Microsoft is said to be working on a smartwatch that it plans to introduce later this year. There have been multiple reports on the project, including one from Forbes in May that described the wearable as a Samsung Gear Fit-like fitness band.

Tonight, Windows blogger Paul Thurott offered up some new details on Microsoft's wearable ambitions, reaffirming that the device will indeed be a wristband with a focus on sensors and fitness. He also notes that the gadget will be compatible with both Android and iOS...

T-Mobile to begin offering accessories on installment plans this month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 8, 2017

According to a new report, T-Mobile is set to begin allowing the purchase of accessories on EIPs (or equipment installment plans) later this month. Citing a leaked internal memo from the carrier, TmoNews says that the new option will be available on July 20th.

The move will enable customers to pick up their favorite accessories, such as Beats headphones or Bluetooth speakers, without having to pay a large sum of cash up front. As it does with smartphones, T-Mobile will split up the price into small, monthly payments...