Accessories

Withings enters fitness tracking space with new Pulse wearable

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

If there's one market that's really exploded over the last year or two, I'd say it's wearable computers—more specifically fitness trackers. There's already a number of companies in the space, including Nike and Jawbone, and giants like Apple and Samsung are rumored to be joining soon.

And this weekend, veteran iOS accessory-maker Withings officially joined the fray by putting its wearable Pulse tracker up for pre-order. The device, which it showed off at CES earlier this year, can be pocketed, clipped or worn on your wrist and tracked and by a mobile app...

Logitech to launch Harmony remote for iOS this August

Cody Lee ∙ June 20, 2013

I received a Logitech Harmony remote for Christmas last year, and it's been by far my most frequently used gift. It's completely replaced 5 of my living room remotes, it's easy to run, and it took me less than 15 minutes to set it up using my computer.

This being said, you can imagine how excited I was when Logitech announced last night that it would be bringing its Harmony line to iOS (and Android) via the Ultimate Hub. The accessory, it says, will turn your smartphone into an all-in-one remote...

New Apple patents granted, covering multitouch, iPhone 5 and Lightning

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Among the nearly 40 Apple patents granted today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are ones covering multi-touch technology, as well as designs for the iPhone 5 and the Lightning connector. The widest-ranging group of patents involves the multi-touch technology for the iPhone 5 and latest iPads and iPods.

Meanwhile, Apple's Senior Vice President of Design, Jonathan Ive, is given lead credit for designing the iPhone 5...

Apple said to be working with Logitech and others on MFi gamepads

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Yesterday we talked a little bit about a new feature (or rather, developer API) in iOS 7 that offers support for MFi (Made for iPhone) certified hardware game controllers. This will be the first time that Apple has officially supported third party gamepads.

Today a few more details have surfaced about Apple's plans regarding these controllers. A new report is out this afternoon claiming that the Cupertino company is working with the likes of Logitech and MOGA to produce a new line of iOS gaming peripherals...

Apple invites robotics company Anki onstage to show off new iOS accessory

Cody Lee ∙ June 10, 2013

This is kind of interesting. Halfway through his opening remarks, Tim Cook called up the folks behind a new robotics company called Anki up to the stage to show off an innovative new iOS accessory called AnkiDrive.

Essentially, they are tiny, artificially-controlled race cars. You can choose to play against your friends, or take your chances against the AI. The promise here is that AnkiDrive will "take iOS gaming to a whole new level."

Show off your jailbreak spirit with a WWJC iCarbons iPhone skin

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

I can't believe it's already June. It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the possibility of an April iPad event, and now we're less than a week away from WWDC, and two months away from WWJC.

This year's World Wide Jailbreak Conference will be a 2-day affair, hosted at the Raddison Hotel in New Rochelle, New York. And whether you plan on attending or not, you can show off your jailbreak spirit with these Limited Edition WWJC 2013 iCarbons skins...

SolePower brings USB power to anyone that walks

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Determined to provide renewable power for all USB powered devices, SolePower transfers walking energy to a wearable storage unit for on-demand charging. While away from AC outlets, charging becomes increasingly difficult, even when toting around large solar panels. Similarly, battery backup cases only provide a specific amount of renewed life for a smartphone. The team of young engineers with SolePower insists on carrying a charging station all the time, in a shoe!

Walking motion capacitors are not new to the gadget scene, but an interchangeable sole is the new attraction. Adding SolePower is simple, just pull out the existing shoe insert and replace with a new iPhone charging version. Once the conversion is complete, walk between 2.5 and 5 miles to fully charge an iPhone...

Logitech buys TidyTilt maker TT Design Labs

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated September 26, 2016

Accessory maker Logitech today announced that it is acquiring TT Design Labs, the accessory maker behind the TidyTilt Kickstarter project.

This iPhone smart cover incorporates magnetic earbud holder and kickstand and has raised north of $200,000 on Kickstarter.

The acquisition gives the two-person startup access to Logitech's "expert engineering, supply chain, distribution, and marketing minds." As part of the collaboration, the company has just started accepting pre-orders for the TidyTilt and JustMount, now marketed under the Logitech brand...

Apple allegedly files for iWatch trademark in Russia

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple reportedly has filed in Russia to trademark 'iWatch', the supposed name of the rumored wearable computing device. However, some in the tech media are skeptical, suggesting the report in a Russian newspaper follows none of Apple's usual steps preceding a product launch, such as in the case of the iPad.

The newspaper Izvestia this week reported Apple filed for the trademark under the 9th and 14th classes of the International Classification of Goods and Services. The report asserts Apple could face competition from similar local products. However, one Apple blogs has failed to find the trademark registered with the official Russian Federal Services for Intellectual Property...

Good deal: $40 off 3-in-1 universal USB charging cable

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Those of you whose mobile collection includes newer Apple products, older Apple products, and an Android phone or tablet may want to check out this 3-in-1 universal USB charging cable from Stack Social.

The cable has the ability to charge up to 3 devices simultaneously, and supports virtually any mobile device that has a Lightning, 30-pin or micro USB port. And right now, the deal site is offering it at 67% off...

The FUMM: a flexible mount, stand and dock for your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ June 4, 2013

Those in the market for an interesting new iPhone accessory might want to check out this new flexible universal mobile mount, otherwise known as the FUMM. The odd-looking gadget can transform itself into a mount, stand, or dock for your iPhone.

It's able to pull this off thanks to three durable, metal flex tubes and two plastic pads lined with special 'nano suction pads.' The patent-pending technology enables to mount on almost any surface and withstand more than 10 pounds of pull force...

Belkin launches new Grip Power Battery Case for the iPhone 5

Cody Lee ∙ Updated July 13, 2017

Belkin, a California-based maker of consumer electronics and accessories, today announced its first entry into the iPhone 5 battery case space with the Grip Power. Similar to Mophie's popular Juice Pack line, the Grip Power is a case that has a built-in backup battery.

The Grip's power block is of the 2000mAh variety, which Belkin says is good enough to double the battery life of your late-model iPhone. And with its shock-resistant outer shell and anti-glare camera ring, it makes for a decent case in terms of protection as well...