Accessories

OtterBox announces acquisition of waterproof case-maker LifeProof

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

This is pretty interesting. It appears that OtterBox, a well-known maker of heavy-duty smartphone and tablet cases, has announced this afternoon that it will be acquiring LifeProof. The San Diego-based startup makes durable cases for Apple's iPhone and iPad.

OtterBox, the brand, has become synonymous with device protection in recent years, thanks to hit cases like Armor and Defender. The company claims that it is the #1 selling smartphone case in the US, and that it controls over 20% of the global case market...

New hack enables support for iOS push notifications in Google Glass

Cody Lee ∙ May 22, 2013

You knew this was coming. Well-known developer Adam Bell has figured out a way to route push notifications from iOS through Google Glass. By design, the pricey accessory—which is only currently available to devs—doesn't communicate with Apple's mobile OS.

Bell, known for jailbreak tweaks like Stride and Blackout, is working on a hack that will allow Glass users to receive all app push notifications from their jailbroken iOS devices. It's not quite finished yet, but he's just posted a demo video showing the mod in action...

Inteliscope mounts an iPhone to your favorite tactical firearm

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Yes, you read the headline correctly. The Inteliscope will link technology with the firearms industry in mid-June. If there was ever a time you wished to use an iPhone as a scope, get excited because your weird and strange wish is now granted.

When I first received word from the InteliScope marketing relations team, I spent a while trying to determine what exactly this product is designed to do. Is it a game? Does it come with a fake gun? Is there a Bluetooth connection to the trigger for some type of modern Duck Hunt experience?

Well, no, it is nothing like that. This is not a game. In fact, one of the advantages of this accessory system, according to the company, is the ability to "shoot around corners with no head exposure." Creepy. Get the details past the fold...

Logitech introduces new Wired Keyboard for iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 22, 2013

Wireless Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad are a dime a dozen these days. It seems like everyone makes them, including Kensington, Targus, and Belkin. In fact, ZAGG just launched a pair of new ones yesterday in the form of the Cover and the Folio.

But what you don't see everyday are wired keyboards for the iPad, like this one that Logitech just unveiled. The Wired Keyboard is durable, spill-resistant, doesn't require Bluetooth pairing or batteries, and comes in both 30-pin and Lightning flavors...

ZAGG launches backlit Cover and Folio iPad mini keyboards

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Accessory maker ZAGG today announced a pair of Bluetooth-powered backlit keyboard products for Apple's iPad mini. The ZAGGkeys Cover and Folio are both ultra-thin, pack in Bluetooth wireless connectivity and sport a patented hinge system that allows for up to 135-degree viewing angles and can reverse the device for a one-piece reading and playing mode.

As for the form factor, the Cover is just 6.3mm thick versus 6.9mm for the Folio. Both offer backlit keys in seven color options and three lighting levels and a battery that keeps them going for up to three months each of normal use...

Kouros clothes your devices in premium Italian leather

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

On my quest to find a quality sleeve for my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, I stumbled upon many fakes or wannabe premium options. In fact, I have yet to find a sleeve to request for review. Thankfully, Kouros found me. A Portugal-based company priding itself on quality ingredients for its products, Kouros makes an exceptional sleeve for both iPhone 5 and mini.

All products are designed by the in house creative team through regular brainstorming, focusing on fashion trends that are practical for a technologically driven lifestyle. To that end, the company uses rigorous testing methods to ensure longevity, suitable look, and proper feel. For this review, I take a close look at the Essence for iPad mini and Prime for iPhone 5, both of which are simplistic, professional leather sleeves...

Mophie unveils new 2,100 mAh Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 2, 2017

Good news for all of you iPhone power users out there. The California-based accessory-maker Mophie took the wraps off a new battery case today for the iPhone 5: the Juice Pack Plus.

This is the third case we've seen from Mophie for the iPhone 5, and it's also the most powerful. Forget about built-in 1500 and 1700 mAh batteries, this one has a 2,100 mAh pack...

The Y-cam HomeMonitor boasts free cloud storage

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

As many of our frequent readers know, I am a fan of connected home products. In particular, several home Wi-Fi cameras are covered through our review section and today I take a close look at the Y-cam HomeMonitor system.

Developed by Y-cam Solutions, the 2005 startup company strives to create simple and affordable products for home and small business protection. In addition to hardware, software and firmware are also continually improved, according to the company description. I can vouch for their efforts having already received a firmware update since installing the unit.

Setting HomeMonitor apart from the competition, is the ability to store a full week of motion captures on company servers for no subscription charge. However, while offering a good benefit package, Y-cam HomeMonitor struggles on some basics...

The XiStera: a multifunctional accessory for your iPhone 5

Cody Lee ∙ May 14, 2013

Looking for an accessory that will help you get the most out of your iPhone? Then you might want to check out the XiStera, by the SwipeCase team. With 8 different functions, it's essentially the swiss army knife of iPhone accessories.

The XiStera may look like a little 2-3-inch piece of plastic, but it's not. Under that TPV santoprene mold is a stainless steel component that houses multiple useful functions including a headphone wrap, tripod mount, and more...

Bluelounge smartly redesigns the MiniDock for iPhone 5

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated September 30, 2013

Covering several Bluelounge products in our review section, astute readers will now be somewhat familiar with the product line. Creating items from packs to docks, Bluelounge attempts to combine form and function for their small, yet clever array of items. The company, taking hints from both art and architecture, prides itself on "forward design aesthetic."

Well over a year ago, the MiniDock became a staple item for users trying to get rid of desktop clutter. A portable charging dock made carrying a 30 pin cable around the house a thing of the past. Today, Bluelounge updates their MiniDock with Lightning compatibility and refines a few nice touches at the same time. I was able to get my hands on a prerelease model and am impressed with the new features...

Square’s stylish Stand accessory taps iPad to reinvent the cash register

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 29, 2016

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's other startup, the payment service Square, today announced an interesting hardware dubbed the Square Stand. The all-white stylish accessory lets merchants run their business from an iPad and requires the Square Register iPad app to process payments. The Stand shouldn't be confused with the Business in a Box, Square's $299 (and up) bundle that incorporates an uglier iPad stand, cash drawer and an optional receipt printer...

X-Doria adds a puff of color to otherwise dull accessories

Jim Gresham ∙ May 14, 2013

Recently, a slew of my reviews focused around connections made at CES 2013. In a predictable unchanging fashion, X-Doria is a company I bumped into during my travels in Vegas. Fairly new to the accessory scene, I like the high density color schemes and puffing ink used to give texture to many items of the X-Doria product line.

A friend from the company recently sent over the Dash Icon hardshell for MacBook Air. The shell is currently only available for the 13" model and also includes the standard puffing ink design. With a slightly raised surface and bold color options, X-Doria's mission is to place their products between technology and fashion...