Accessories

Slingbox gains AirPlay place-shifting, Blockbuster movies, plays nice with Mavericks

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 26, 2017

The Slingbox, a TV streaming media device made by Sling Media, has received a nice little firmware update earlier today bringing support for AirPlay, a technology from Apple that streams media from iOS devices and Macs to a TV set through the $99 Apple TV set-top box. It's a notable enhancement: with AirPlay, owners of Slingboxes can stream live television from their Slingbox-connected TV to any Apple TV-connected TV set.

In addition to AirPlay support, the firmware update brings on-demand high-definition movies from Blockbuster and support for Apple's just-released OS X Mavericks (a free upgrade on the Mac App Store). More on that in just a second...

$199 Anki Drive now available in Apple Stores

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

At the September double iPhone keynote, Apple's boss Tim Cook invited guys from Anki up on stage to show off their new innovative game-slash-accessory, Anki Drive, basically an iPhone-controlled system comprised of miniature self-driving cars that race around a vinyl race track.

The successful presentation wowed the audience and the robotics company said shortly after that Anki would launch later in October. And as of yesterday, the Anki Drive is available from the Apple Store for a cool $199...

Moshi iPhone 5s cases round up

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

As soon as I ordered my iPhone 5s, I began hunting around the internet for new cases. Yes, iPhone 5 cases are completely compatible with iPhone 5s, but I started looking anyway. New iPhone, new case, is my standard. Something fresh was needed. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for at the time, but something that related to the new 5s in some way.

Moshi came to mind, as they always utilize clean and simple designs. A clip on case is always the most simplistic and I opted for that version. Browsing through the selection, I came across the iGlaze Armour and it is marketed as a slim fit case. The two tone design caught my eye, as it matches the 5s backing. In particular, the gold/silver version caught my attention, because "gold is best."...

Apple updates Smart Covers and Cases for new iPads

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Although there wasn't any mention of the rumored Surface-like keyboard cover at today's iPad event, Apple did announce updates for its current line of cases that will launch alongside the two new tablets.

Both the iPad Air and new iPad mini with Retina display will get a new set of Smart Covers and Smart Cases. The Covers, again, just cover the screen of the iPad, but the Cases offer wraparound protection...

From the makers of Paper: the Pencil stylus

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

A stylus has always been handy for artists needing to work on a design using the iPad. For the rest of us, a pen-based tablet has been more of a pain.

Now comes a new stylus that just might be both attractive and useful. The accessory, dubbed Pencil, comes from the folks who introduced us to the Paper iPad app.

First, Pencil from FifthyThree is flat - like a carpenter's - so no more chasing a rolling stylus. Secondly, the stylus includes a USB port, making the tool practical beyond simply jotting down a note on your iPad...

Apple could announce Surface style iPad keyboard cover tomorrow

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 30, 2016

A sketchy video recently asserted Apple's Smart Cover for iPad has undergone a redesign that may launch Tuesday alongside new iPads. Suspiciously, we've seen no credible leak whatsoever to support the thesis. Though Apple's filed for a number of iPad keyboard cover patents, it's unclear in what direction it might take the Smart Cover come tomorrow.

If you ask a former Apple engineer, however, the company is seeking to address the success Microsoft has seen with Touch Type covers for the Surface by releasing its own Surface-inspired keyboard case for the new iPads that will incorporate a physical QWERTY keyboard and a bunch of other functions...

Smartphone Spy Lens review: sneak pics and videos without getting caught

Lory Gil ∙ October 18, 2013

Photojojo, for those that may not already know, is a website dedicated to finding the best new stuff for all of your photography needs. The company has dozens of cute, awesome, and creative accessories designed specifically for iOS and other mobile devices.

The Smartphone Spy Lens is one such accessory that mounts to any mobile device with a camera so you can snap pictures of people standing right next to you, without them even knowing…

Anki Drive iPhone-controlled cars launching October 23 for $199

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

During Apple's WWDC keynote this summer, Tim Cook called a couple of guys from Anki up on stage to show off their new iOS accessory/game called 'Anki Drive.'

Anki Drive is essentially a set of self-controlled, iOS-connected vehicles that race around a vinyl race track. The company describes it as a "video game in the real world."

Although the demo failed initially, folks were impressed by the Anki Drive cars. And many will be happy to hear that they'll finally be available for purchase next week...

Olloclip launches improved 4-in-1 iPhone camera attachment with dual macro lens

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

The iPhone camera lens attachment maker, Olloclip, today updated its multipurpose 3-in-1 iPhone 5 camera lens (it started out as a Kickstarter project) with compelling new features. The new 4-in-1 module packs in fisheye and a pair of wide angle lenses as before, with the addition of a more powerful 15x macro lens. The other side of the dual-sided accessory sports the 10x macro lens with an 18mm focus distance which was retained from the original model. Jump past the fold for the full breakdown...

OtterBox unveils Preserver series of iPhone 5/5s/5c waterproof cases with Touch ID support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Accessory maker OtterBox makes a compelling range of protective case, sleeves and rugged cases for smartphones and just yesterday they announced a new Preserver series for the iPhone 5, as well as the new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, the latter featuring full Touch ID support. The two-piece highly protective cases with snap assembly is bound to add discernible bulk and weight to your device.

In exchange, you'll get full protection from dust and water. The company says the case can withstand drops from up to 2 meters, or about 6.6 feet, as well as protect your device when fully submerged up to 2 meters deep for as much as 30 minutes...

Nike unveils more colorful, durable FuelBand SE

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Nike held a big, athlete-filled media event in New York City this morning to announce its long-awaited second generation FuelBand fitness device: the Nike+ FuelBand SE.

The new Band looks virtually identical to its predecessor, except for the addition of some new color accents, but on the inside there has been a number of improvements...

Valve shows off Steam Controller with popular Mac games

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 15, 2013

Valve caused quite a stir claiming its upcoming Steam Controller was designed to work without a hiccup with all the games on Steam, including the older titles in the catalog and the ones that were not built with controller support in mind. To prove its point, the company has released a nice video demonstrating Steam Controller with a number of popular Mac games sold on Steam, such as Portal, Counterstrike and Team Fortress. Give it a watch right after the break...