Accessories

Intel reportedly buys smartwatch maker Basis for $100+ million

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

TechCrunch is reporting that Intel has acquired smartwatch maker Basis for between $100 and $150 million. The buyout follows a scoop from February that the startup was shopping itself around to a number of high-profile tech firms including Google, Microsoft and yes, Apple.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Basis makes a smartwatch-like device called the Basis Health Fitness Tracker, which it calls the “world’s most advanced health tracker.” The wearable is capable of capturing heart rate patterns, tracking multiple sleep stages and much more...

Arq – the nested dock that keeps on docking

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 24, 2014

The Arq, a new Kickstarter project, seeks to solve the problem of charging multiple devices simultaneously. This cleverly engineered accessory lets you charge multiple form factor iOS and Android devices individually, via either Lightning or micro USB. And thanks to its modular design, devices can be charged in groups or closely nested together, because Arq docks can be conveniently nested together, all within a small footprint.

To give you the exact idea of the Arq's size, each measures 1.85 inches deep, 4.03 inches wide and 1.38 inches tall. There are also nano micro suction pads on the bottom that keep the Arq firmly anchored to smooth surfaces for easy undocking, as seen on the Slope iPad stand I recently reviewed...

Moga teases new MFi Bluetooth controller for iOS 7 devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Moga didn't make a very good first impression in the iOS 7 controller space. Plagued by the typical new-category teething issues, the Ace Power launched to mostly negative reviews last fall despite its large built-in battery and dual analog joysticks.

But the mobile accessory-maker isn't going to let a little bad press get it down. This week, Moga began sending out a teaser image (seen above) for a new MFi controller. It looks a lot like the Ace Power, but with one big difference: a Bluetooth button...

Introducing Moov multi-sport fitness tracker, your new personal trainer

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 27, 2014

Time to meet your new coach. Introducing the Moov, a new wearable device conceived by a three-person startup led by a former Apple engineer. Not only does it track your activities, it gives you personalized tips to improve your workout performance.

The brainchild of Nikola Hu, a smart engineer who used to work at Apple, and his colleagues, the Moov is packed with nine-axis sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer.

Thanks to the data gathered by these sensors and clever programming, the Moov can sense both motion and 3D form to improve your performance.

The biggest selling point of the Moov is its software which can provide real-time audio advice and feedback. It uses 3d motion reconstruction technology to analyze and distinguish between a bunch of activities like running, biking, swimming and weight lifting, to mention just a few.

And if you're into boxing, the Moov does that, too - it's even capable of measuring your power and form, giving you a report card at the end of each session detailing how many calories you burned, your progress against previous workouts and what not.

It gets even better: because each tracked activity is an app of its own, such a modular system allows developer to easily introduce support for new activities via firmware updates and new app releases...

Samsung introduces new ‘Gear Fit’ fitness tracker

Cody Lee ∙ February 25, 2014

As Apple and Google prepare their entries into the rising wearables space, Samsung introduced 3 new products into its already-seasoned line of smartwatches at Mobile World Congress this week. There's the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo, and now we have the Gear Fit.

We've already seen the 2 new Gear watches—they're very similar to their predecessor in that they look, well, like watches. The Gear Fit, however, unveiled yesterday alongside the Galaxy S5, looks more like a cross between a smartwatch and a Fitbit Force fitness band...

ReSound LiNX launches as first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 24, 2014

GN ReSound, a company that's been working with Apple to take the stigma out of wearing an aid, today formally launched the world's first 'Made for iPhone' hearing aid, the LiNX. The accessory is designed for the hearing impaired users and offers direct streaming of sound from the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, without the need for an additional remote control, accessory or pendant.

It marries power-efficient Bluetooth Smart to third-generation 2.4 GHz wireless networking based on the all-new SmartRange chipset while offering some advanced features. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Report: Google smartwatch made by LG, has Google Now, runs slimmed down Android

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 24, 2014

After Sarah Perez and Darrell Etherington over at TechCrunch ran a story last night detailing some of the aspects of Google's rumored smartwatch project, The Wall Street Journal and CNET on Monday reported that the device will probably be manufactured by LG Electronics. Google should detail its operating system in March and release a software development kit for third-party developers in June.

Apple is of course, rumored to be hard at work on its own wearable device, dubbed by the press the iWatch. A number of medical expert hires indicate that Apple's device may also include health-sensing capability such as tracking blood glucose and hydration levels, although not as advanced as previously speculated...

Mad Catz introduces new Xbox-inspired iOS 7 controller ‘C.T.R.L.i’

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

Mobile World Congress, which has just begun in Barcelona, is not known for churning out mobile peripherals like CES or other big conferences, but we've got one for you today. It's a new MFi (made for iPhone) iOS 7-compatible game controller.

It's a wireless controller, with a removable clip for docking your device, and it's called the 'C.T.R.L.i.' It's made by Mad Catz, and if you have ever shopped around for third-party PC and console peripherals, you know that's a fairly well-known name...

New report says Google is preparing to release its own smartwatch this year

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

If you're still in the camp of folks who believe that there won't be a market for wearables, you might want to take a look around. Pebble just launched a new smartwatch, Samsung just announced a new Gear watch and Apple reportedly has one in the oven.

Google is also believed to be working on a smartwatch, and according to insiders, it's almost finished. TechCrunch is reporting this weekend that the search giant is putting the finishing touches on a watch that runs Android and houses a full-color display...

Samsung introduces new Tizen-based ‘Gear 2’ smartwatches

Cody Lee ∙ February 22, 2014

As rumors regarding Apple's iWatch project continue to bounce about the web, Samsung introduced its second generation smartwatch tonight. The announcement came at Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, and actually includes two separate products: the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo.

Perhaps the most notable difference between these smartwatches and the one Samsung released 6 months ago is that these run the company's open source operating system called 'Tizen,' not Android. Samsung says that the switch in OSes results in easier use and much better battery life...

Loop Fob makes swipeless credit card payment via iOS possible

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Originally a Kickstarter campaign, Loop's mobile payments device, the Fob, is now available for purchase online at the Loop webstore. The $39 adapter has a contactless chip inside and uses patented technology to encrypt your credit card information on a secure memory module. By storing all of your credit cards, the Fob lets you make payments at virtually any terminal in the U.S.

The Boston-based startup has partnered with a bunch of retailers and credit card issuers to make the solution play nice with virtually all of major points of sale in the United States. In addition to the $39 adapter, Loop will also introduce a $99 Loop ChargeCase later this year...

Apple researching headphones with head gestures that track fitness and health data

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 18, 2014

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Tuesday published a new Apple patent No. 8,655,004 for a “sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets”.

The system could also employ head gestures to control various features and could be a nice companion for an Apple wearable device project.

The invention encloses integrated activity monitors in a set of headphones to pick up such health and fitness related metrics as temperature, perspiration, heart rate data and more...