Accessories

CES 2014: SteelSeries announces new wireless gaming controller for iOS 7

During last week's 'Let's Talk iOS' podcast, we mentioned our disdain for the current crop of iOS 7 game controllers. The current selection consists of just two poorly-reviewed devices, and we said we hoped CES would change that.

And it looks like it's going to. SteelSeries, a popular maker of both desktop and mobile gaming peripherals, announced this morning that it's going to use the convention to launch the 'Stratus,' the first wireless controller made for iOS 7...

Anki Drive app updated with new weapons, support items and more

Folks who received the Anki Drive for Christmas this year will be happy to hear that the companion app has received a major update today. The new version, which is marked as version 2.1.0, adds an expanded upgrade system, new weapons and much more.

The new weapons include an EMP gun, which lets you shoot other cars as they race along the track, and the new support items include reverse drive, horn and kinetic brake. The update also features other improvements, such as smarter AI and faster upgrades...

BlackBerry going after Ryan Seacrest’s ‘Typo’ keyboard for patent infringement

Last month, we told you about an interesting new accessory coming out this year for the iPhone called the 'Typo.' It's a case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard that bills itself as the perfect solution for the folks who still carry both an iPhone and a BlackBerry.

Well, as you can imagine, this hasn't sat well with BlackBerry. And today the Canadian handset-maker announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Typo, co-founded by TV personality Ryan Seacrest, for "blatantly" copying its iconic QWERTY keyboard design...

Archos previews array of iOS-compatible wearable gadgets and connected home gizmos

Ahead of the looming 2014 Consumer Electronics Show, the French consumer electronics company Archos is previewing an upcoming line of devices and accessories, including 'Connected Self' smartwatches and health trackers and various 'Connected Home' appliances, all designed to be compatible with Apple's iOS and Google's Android mobile operating systems.

There will also be a Connected Self mobile application to “serve as the backbone application for all connected self devices” allowing folks to track their activity, check their health-related data, turn on the lights, automatically capture video when motion sensors are triggered and lots more. The full breakdown is right past the jump...

This is your chance to win our stocking stuffer accessory giveaway

It is the Christmas time of year and we are having a small celebration here on iDB. With the newly released Evasi0n7 jailbreak, there is plenty of reason for merriment. To share the Christmas excitement, we teamed up with a few companies to offer little stocking stuffers to a lucky reader.

From a small screen cleaner to aluminum earbuds, there is a little something in here for everyone. However, we will picking only one lucky winner to stuff their stocking with all of the items included in the details below...

A quick look at Sensu Solo, the true brush head stylus

Styli are not the coolest pieces of hardware on the market. In fact, when I think  "stylus," nothing cool comes to mind. I never wanted a stylus for my iOS devices, but I used one in the past, circa 2004 on a Windows based device. Those were clearly the bad days of my gadget obsession.

Arguably making things much cooler and more useful, Sensu developed a brush-type stylus for artists and amateurs alike. Popularly known for brush head styli, the company attempts to deliver an authentic experience to the digital marketplace. The goal of their endeavor is to create a "spring and restiveness that feels like real painting" and I would argue, there is certain success with this product...

Give your iPhone the power of wireless charging with the iQi Mobile

Despite a number of rumors and patent filings, Apple has yet to give any of its iOS devices the power of wireless charging. While many manufacturers have built the technology into their handsets, iPhones continue to use the plug-n-charge approach.

Luckily, for those looking for wireless charging, there are a handful of third party options available. And today, we're going to talk about a new one called iQi Mobile. It's a Qi standard wireless charging receiver, with a unique, ultra-thin flexible design...

Olloclip introduces new 3-in-1 photo lens for the iPhone 5c

Olloclip, the makers of the widely popular clip-on iPhone lens kits, has announced a new accessory just in time for the holidays. It's a 3-in-1 photo lens made specifically for Apple's just-released iPhone 5c handset.

The new kit features familiar attachments—a macro lens, a fisheye lens and a wide-angle lens—and comes in the 5 colors of the iPhone 5c. And, like its 5/5s counterpart, it's made of very high quality materials...

Good deal: 38% off Mac stand and iPhone mount bundle

Whether you're a Mac and iPhone user yourself, or happen to be shopping for one this holiday season, you're going to want to check out this awesome Just Mobile accessory bundle from Stack Social.

For a limited time, the deal site is offering the solid aluminum Mtable stand for your iMac or Mac laptop, and the Xtand Go, which lets you mount your iPhone 5/5s glue-free, for 38% off retail pricing...

Review: Armorz tempered glass skin for iPhone

Screen protectors are either hit or miss. As a naked iPhone user, I use neither a case, nor a skin. There is too much room for disappointment with many iOS device skins. Consequently, I am a true iPhone nudist. I am however not opposed to giving screen protections a try for review.

Inside, I take a quick look at the Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite Tempered Glass for iPhone 5/c/s. After receiving one from Armorz, I installed it on my wife's 5c and was more impressed than originally anticipated. My wife is still currently enjoying it, even though she prefers a nude iPhone as well. There are all types of screen protection on the market, but the Armorz is my first experience with a tempered glass variety...

Keep accessories handy with the Tangle case

On a regular basis, I am always carrying around any number of little doodads, accessories, and other miscellany. Where should I stuff all of my small pieces of important fanfare? Usually, I will load my pockets down with all that I might need. If there is more, I carry a backpack with lots of pockets and spaces.

Granted, iLuv's new addition, Tangle, will not replace a backpack or your favorite pair of cargo shorts, but it could easily come in handy. Popularly known for all sorts of creative iOS device solutions, iLuv even has a contract to produce Peanut cartoon accessories. Inside, I take a look at the Tangle and its accessory carrying options...

Square introduces new card reader developed by Apple’s Lightning plug designer

Square unveiled a new version of its Square Reader accessory today, which is used to input credit and debit cards into the Square app. It says the new Reader is roughly 45% thinner than its predecessor, and is more accurate at reading cards thanks to its new design.

But what makes the new device really interesting is who designed it. According to a report from Wired, Square's new ultra-thin card reader was developed by a team led by Jesse Dorogusker—a former Director of Engineering at Apple and developer of the Lightning plug...