Accessories

Sony said to ready iPhone lens accessories with full-fledged camera features

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2013

Sony already supplies the main eight-megapixel iSight camera module on the back of your iPhone 5 and is likely to provide a thirteen-megapixel camera upgrade for the upcoming iPhone 5S, the rumor has it. There's a very good reason why Apple shops for iOS device cameras from Sony: the Japanese giant produces arguably the best CMOS sensors out there.

Case in point: a rumored lens camera accessories reportedly being worked on by Sony's engineers. These things will latch onto your iPhone or Android smartphone and provide your smartphone with a standalone sensor featuring Carl Zeiss optics, the same used by the Nikon 1 system...

Apple’s USB charger trade-in program coming to UK, Canada, Australia, France and Germany

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 12, 2013

Earlier this month Apple launched Takeback Program, a trade-in initiative encouraging buyers to dispose of third-party (especially knock-off) USB power adapters and buy Apple's chargers at a discount.

The sudden and unexpected offer is in response to relentless reporting by China's state-run media describing a fatality involving Chinese stewardess who electrocuted herself after using a knockoff charger to power her iPhone.

Takeback Program started on August 9 in China and will roll out to United States this coming Friday, August 16. While it was initially thought the offer was US and China only, a reliable blogger has learned that's not the case as Apple is gearing up to launch the trade-in program in its other key markets, including Canada, France, Germany and United Kingdom...

Apple Stores offering discounts on select accessories this month

Cody Lee ∙ August 7, 2013

Apple Retail Stores are offering discounts on select in-store third-party accessories this month, according to a new report. The promotion began August 1st and runs through August 31, and it includes a handful of high-end audio products.

Among the discounted accessories are select Beats by Dre headphones and speakers, which are 10% off, and Jawbone's Big JAMBOX Bluetooth speaker, which is $50 off. And a new deal on Bose QuietComfort headphones starts next week...

Scosche introduces new ‘BoltBox’ charging cables for Lightning devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Folks looking to pick up a new Lightning charging cable might want to check out Scosche's latest iOS accessory. The California-based company introduced the 'boltBOX' today, a new colorful USB charging cable for all of your Lightning devices.

What makes the boltBOX better than your average Apple USB Lightning cable? Well, aside from the fact that it comes in a variety of different colors, it features an innovative retractable design that neatly stores its 3-foot cable when not in use...

Twelve South unveils gorgeous HiRise charging stand for Lightning iOS devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 6, 2013

Premium (and Apple-exclusive) accessory maker Twelve South has announced a new charging stand made from metal and compatible with Apple's iOS devices outfitted with Lightning I/O, such as the iPad mini, iPhone 5, fifth-generation iPod touch and the latest iPod nano.

The desktop stand secures your device in place while providing an adjustable angle for a nice visual match with your iMac, MacBook or Thunderbolt Display. Oh, and it's made from brushed metal to complement your other Apple devices perfectly. Jump past the fold for the full reveal and gorgeous hires shots...

All-aluminum, completely waterproof physical activity tracker Shine launches

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 24, 2016

A company called Misfit Wearables has launched an interesting physical activity tracker device, the Shine, which works with iOS devices and can be worn anywhere on your body via the included clasp and optional add-ons.

Originally an Indiegogo project, the Shine goes beyond your typical pedometer by tapping proprietary sensor algorithms that not only track your steps, but also cycling and swimming. It's available now via the online Misfit store and is expected soon in brick-and-mortar and online Apple Stores...

Philips to expand its Hue line with LightStrips and Bloom bulbs

Cody Lee ∙ August 6, 2013

We're huge fans of Philips' line of Hue lightbulbs here at iDB. The iPhone-controlled LED bulbs are completely customizable, allowing you to dynamically change the colors and lighting of a room via the easy-to-use companion app.

Currently, Hue offerings are limited to the $199 starter pack—which includes 3 LED bulbs and a Wi-Fi bridge—and additional 50W LED bulbs. But it looks like Philips is looking to expand the line with LightStrips and Bloom bulbs...

Hot Watch: an iOS-compatible smartwatch with some innovative features

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

If you're still searching for proof that there's a market for smartwatches, look no further than Kickstarter. We've seen a number of projects surface on the crowdsourced funding site—most of which went on to be successful—and today we have another one for you.

Meet the HOT Watch, by Dallas-based think tank PHTL. Now, don't let the cheesy name fool you, this watch is packing a ton of features. It has all of the standard smartwatch stuff, like push notifications, as well as innovative stuff like 'Hands on Talk' technology...

iPad mini MultiStand: hang it up or take it out

Jim Gresham ∙ August 5, 2013

I previously covered two ProClip USA dashboard accessories for iPhone 5 and iPad mini, a little more than a month back. These two mounts were excellent for my vehicle and I use the iPhone mount daily on my morning and evening commute. Consequently, my friends at ProClip sent over one of their newest devices.

There are many stands, docks, and cases in the iDownloadBlog review category, but none of them operate quite like the ProClip USA iPad mini MultiStand. Using the same production process, ProClip designed a stand for iPad mini that not only rests easily on a desktop, but also mounts on a wall, workbench, or elevated surface. The case versatility is optimal for users looking for a semi permanent and portable option with a ruggedized design...

Incipio Atlas review: a waterproof case backed by a warranty

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Last month I featured five cases to protect your iPhone at the beach. Seeing the article, Incipio noticed I selected their ATLAS case as one of the current beach worthy options and sent me one to play with more closely. After receiving the case in the mail a few weeks ago, I have been toting around the water, dust, and shock proof case on my iPhone 5. The case is proving quite useful.

This is the first of Incipio's attempts to produce a waterproof case. However, even though new to the market, Incipio boasts a water damage warranty with the purchase of ATLAS. The company provides an easy product registration app to help you through the process. This confident move is an impressive customer service guarantee not all competitors are offering.

The fanciful, well-built packaging opens to reveal a solidly constructed case, complete with an installation guide to make sure everything is air tight...

CaptCase: a cleverly crafted iPhone folio case and card holder

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

I have tested my fair share of folio style or wallet type cases for all iOS devices. Each has its own eccentricities and the CaptCase for iPhone 5 is no different. With a mission to utilize simplicity of design to provide a beautiful and functional product, the company strives to create accessories that "enhance the use of your smartphone, without getting in the way."

There is one excellent feature of the CaptCase that proves their point. This is the only folio style iPhone case I reviewed with a cutaway in the front panel to allow phone calls. Truly, an excellent feature with functionality at the fore. Many others must agree, as CaptCase easily reached its Kickstarter goal..

Good deal: $40 off Spigen iPhone 5 case and GLAS.t screen protector set

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Those of you in the market for a new case and/or screen protector for your iPhone 5, may want to check out this new promotion from Stack Social. The deal site is currently offering a package with a case, and two screen protectors at a steep discount.

The three accessories, which are all made by Spigen, include the popular Slim Armor Case, the GLAS.t SLIM screen protector—which we reviewed back in March, and loved—and the Ultra Crystal screen protector. Keep reading for more details...