Accessories

Belkin’s Thunderstorm handheld home theater now available for iPad 4

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 26, 2013

Accessory maker Belkin back at January's CES 2013 unveiled a handheld home theater system for Apple's iPad, the Thunderstorm. The amplification system docks your iPad with integrated front-facing speakers and air channels for the powerful bass sounds. The speaker case was initially limited to older 30-pin iPad 2 and third-generation iPad devices. Today, Belkin announced Thunderstorm availability for iPads outfitted with Lightning I/O, namely the iPad 4...

Apple issues charger advisory in China

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 25, 2013

Following a widely reported fatality involving a Chinese stewardess who got electrocuted by her iPhone charger (just weeks from her wedding), Apple has posted a statement to its China web site recommending customers use only authorized chargers.

Ten days ago, a Chinese newspaper reported that 23-year-old China Airlines flight attendant Ma Ailun suffered a fatal electric shock when she answered a call using her iPhone that was recharging. Major media outlets picked up the report, creating another PR nightmare in Apple's "most important market" (Cook's words from earlier this year)...

Google launches Google Cast SDK For iOS, Android and Chrome developers

Cody Lee ∙ July 24, 2013

Alongside a new Nexus 7 tablet, and a new version of Android, Google launched a new TV accessory today called the Chromecast. Not to be confused with the short-lived Nexus Q, it's a tiny HDMI dongle that offers wireless device-to-TV streaming for just $35.

The device uses Google Cast, which like Apple's AirPlay feature, allows users to stream videos and other content from their smartphones and tablets to their television sets. Unlike Apple's offering, though, Google is opening up its Cast tech to multiple platforms...

Canary motion detector bolsters up home security while looking stunning

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 13, 2016

iOS continues to change modern living for the better by improving upon the connected home promise through various innovative app-enabled accessories from third-parties, like the beautiful and smart Nest thermostat, the intelligent Philips light bulbs and clever locks by the likes of Jawbone and Kwikset, to name just a few.

Canary, "the world's first smartphone security device for everyone" by a New York-based startup, promises to beef up your home security by bringing motion detection, push alerts, streaming spycam video and other goodies to your iPhone by way of an IndieGoGo crowd-funded project.

The stylish device, reminiscent of Jony Ive's industrial design work, comes packed with a 720p HD camera, wide angle lens, Wi-Fi connectivity and smart sensors that detect motion, and is easy to set up on your mobile device. I've included a promotional video for your viewing pleasure just after the break...

Bluelounge unlocks portable charging with Kii

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated September 30, 2013

In a recent turn of events, two companies released a keychain Lightning charger. You may remember, last week we ran a giveaway for an extremely similar product. However, if you read through the previous post, there were a few things the competition could do better.

Enter, Kii by Bluelounge. A clever pun, Kii is a keychain charger, which is produced both for Lightning and 30 pin options. This little guy is currently attached to my daily key ring and traveled with me for the past couple weeks. Offering a charge on a moment's notice, the Kii is the perfect companion not only for travel, but also daily use...

Unauthorized charger likely the blame for Chinese woman electrocution

Cody Lee ∙ Updated July 5, 2017

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that a 23-year-old China Airlines flight attendant died after being electrocuted by her iPhone 5 charger. She reportedly suffered a fatal electric shock when she answered a call using her iPhone 5 that was recharging.

At the time, details surrounding the event were a bit foggy, with officials saying that they could not identify the source of the current that killed her. But a new report is out this morning claiming that a 'knockoff' charger could have been the culprit...

As iWatch anticipation builds up, smartwatch market to grow tenfold in 2014

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

The smartwatch market is about to explode - never mind not a single device from Apple or Samsung has shipped. Despite all those troublesome facts, one analyst firm is out with a prediction that five million "smartwatches" will ship in 2014, ten times the current number. How can this be? Welcome to defining tech 2.0. The research firm Canalys defines smartwatches as "smart wearable bands" that are worn on the body and run third-party apps...

New Bluetooth accessory ‘Tile’ wants to keep you from losing important stuff

Cody Lee ∙ July 16, 2013

Introducing the Tile, a small square device with built-in Bluetooth that connects to your iPhone to help you find lost items like your wallet, car keys, computer and more. In fact, anything you attach the Tile to, the app can help you track down.

Now, this isn't the first time we've seen a Bluetooth accessory team up with the iPhone with the promise of tracking things down. But Tile is small, extremely affordable and can attach to almost anything. And it has several other cool features too...

Griffin’s multi-device charging station now shipping

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

The accessory maker Griffin at this year's CES in January 2013 took the wraps off the PowerDock 5, an intriguing charging station capable of charging and syncing up to five devices at once. Each of its five bays features an individual 10-watt, 2.1-amp power supply.

This lets you charge any iOS device, including the power-hungry iPad 3 and iPad 4 (which can be docked even in their cases). Those eyeing this ultimate charging station should be pleased learning that Griffin today started shipping the PowerDock 5...

Audiofly headphones are your new favorite pair [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 30, 2016

Always on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones, I spent a lot of time at CES digging around with audio companies that made iPhone compatible options. I noticed Audiofly received a CES 2013 Design and Engineering honor and made it a point to stop by the booth. That visit may have been my best choice of the whole show.

Before going any further, I will put my disclaimer in the introduction. These are probably the best earbuds I have ever had the pleasure of using, or reviewing. To prevent everyone from thinking I am getting paid by Audiofly for this review, these are my honest and open opinions, as always. I receive no compensation from the company for my posts, merely the media sample. If you are further concerned, I suggest you read our official review disclaimer.

Moving along, these are extremely impressive earbuds. I am shocked at their balance, tone, clarity and high profile design. Take a step inside for a gushing review of the AF78's by Audiofly. Most importantly, I present to you one of the best giveaways on iDB. To help one of you experience the incredible sound, I worked with the company to provide a giveaway model of the AF78's. Headphone connoisseurs rejoice...

Carved improves handmade wooden case line for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

iPhone cases vary from waterproof to minimal skins and all variations in between. Interestingly, there are several options that combine the beauty of nature, in stark contrast to the cold feel of anodized aluminum and glass. Carved is one of those companies that pours completely customized and natural elements into each case.

Utilizing wood, Carved hand selects each piece of grained material in their Indiana shop. The whole process takes place in their shop, including the CNC machining and even the shipping. If you want your product double checked by hand, Carved may be your new favorite case company, assuming you love wood...

ChargeCard now available for the iPhone 5

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

We've been following the ChargeCard story since it debuted as a Kickstarter project last fall. The credit card-sized accessory, which has garnered all kinds of media and consumer attention, fits in your wallet, ensuring you're never left without a charging cable.

Earlier this year, we went hands on with a pre-production version of the 30-pin model of the ChargeCard, which is perfect for connecting your older iPhone to a USB port for charging. But what if you have an iPhone 5? Never fear, the iPhone 5 model is here...