Accessories

Phiaton’s Moderna MS 200 earbuds blast the bass [review + giveaway]

Stumbling across my Phiaton friends at CES, they were quick to point out the new MODERNA MS 200 earbuds, which recently hit the market. The hot rod red coloring and genuine carbon fiber speaker wells were the first attraction, as they lay on the display table. Even in a crowded pre-convention party, they sounded like a winner.

Now, having listened to the MS 200's from the comfort of my home, I can confirm my suspicions were true. With a racing red headphone cable matching a classic black earphone chassis, more than quality sound are the causes for head turning attraction. These half in-ear buds are quite the performers, with bass enthusiasts getting what they desire.

Gone are the days where bulky headphones were the only great way to hear the beats of your music. Take a look past the fold for a breakdown on looks and performance, while possibly scoring your own pair to take home...

USPTO publishes Apple’s extensive Lightning connector patent

Much has been written about Apple's new Lightning connector, introduced with the iPhone 5 to supercede the aging 30-pin Dock connection. Thursday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office published three Apple patent filings from 2012 detailing how the Lightning connector is built. Among the questions addressed: how did Apple create an "orientation agnostic" connector design while also ensuring stability and proper alignment?

Kwikset outs iPhone-exclusive wireless door lock

Kwikset, the lockset maker owned by Black & Decker's Hardware and Home Improvement Group, today announced an interesting smartphone-friendly wireless lock accessory that inches us closer to a fully connected home.

If you're a fan of the app-enabled wireless lightbub from Philips, how about locking or unlocking your door by simply touching the deadbolt?

And I meant touching it with your finger - you don't ever need to remove an iPhone from your pocket or purse. That's what Kēvo, a UniKey-powered wireless deadbolt door lock, does for you by connecting with your iPhone, iPod or iPad through wireless Bluetooth Smart technology. Say goodbye to fumbling with or looking for your keys - your Phone is now your key...

Apple patents smart audio splitter

Many of us have shared a pair of earbuds with a friend. The problem crops up when you enjoy rocking out at max volume while your friend enjoys a more modest audio level. Enter Apple with what's essentially an intelligent audio splitter.

Instead of enduring the default sound level of the iPhone or iPod, an adapter envisioned by Apple would allow you to customize your individual audio, according to a patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tuesday.

Additionally, the headphone splitter would permit two people to use built-in mics to speak over the soundtrack, opening up some wild possibilities with gaming...

The next Nike+ FuelBand has Bluetooth 4.0, sports in-built heart rate monitor

Just like accessories maker Jawbone had to release a re-tooled version of its Up fitness band following not-so-flattering reviews, Nike is now reportedly testing a next-generation Nike+ FuelBand in the wild. The device should address some of the annoying shortcomings of the original clip-on product and bring out new features.

For starters, the FuelBand successor will incorporate Bluetooth Smart wireless technology. Also known as Bluetooth 4.0, it allows for a considerably reduced power consumption whilst maintaining a similar communication range compared to Bluetooth 3.0.

As Bluetooth Smart is featured on Apple mobile devices from the iPhone 4S onward, the next Nike+ FuelBand will instantly support these low energy features on newer Apple devices right out of the box.

Nike plans to make it easier for developers to create software that connects to the fitness band. The second-generation FuelBand has additional new features, detailed after the break. The timing of the report is pretty interesting as rival FitBit earlier today started shipping its Bluetooth Smart-enabled $99 activity tracking wristband, the Flex...

Adobe unveils new iPad-friendly Bluetooth stylus and digital ruler

 Adobe announced a number of new products and changes to its current lineup today, during a keynote at its MAX conference. The company is ditching its Creative Suite, and turning its focus to a new cloud-based platform it's calling CC.

In addition to the software announcements, Adobe also showed off new hardware today. And there are two products that we're particularly interested in, an iPad-friendly smart stylus code-named "Project Mighty," and a digital ruler...

Fitbit’s new activity-tracking Flex wristband now available for $100

At CES this year, fitness accessory startup Fitbit announced the final missing piece of its highly-regarded activity-tracking line: a wristband. Dubbed the 'Flex,' it offers all of the durability and accuracy of its clip-on products, in a more wearable solution.

Initial market feedback for the band was tremendous, but a lot of that enthusiasm has seemingly subsided during this lengthy waiting period between announcement and availability. Nevertheless, the Fitbit Flex is finally here and available for purchase...

Accessories makers embracing Bluetooth to side-step Lightning, AirPlay and Apple exclusivity

A growing trend by accessory makers to adopt wireless connections could disconnect Apple from a significant source of revenue. In a departure from the days of the iPod, where accessories such as speakers were designed with 30-pin connections fitting only Apple devices, add-on device manufacturers are have increasingly been turning to Bluetooth for some time to connect a growing number of mobile devices - many not made by Apple.

The reason for the transition includes the rise of Samsung, Amazon and other iPhone and iPad rivals, along with the feeling Apple kept secret from accessory makers its new Lightning connection. As a result, some of the largest accessory makers are turning to the wireless Bluetooth standard to avoid any more surprises from Apple, according to the New York Times...

Apple’s battery patents hint at rounded gizmos

The days of boxy computers are history, so why are the batteries which power them still the same shape? That's the question a pair of new Apple patent applications seek to answer. The patents filed in 2011 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describe "non-rectangular batteries for portable devices."

The iPhone and iPad maker outlines a way to customize the shape of batteries to fit the flexibility of today's consumer electronics, including the growing array of wearable devices, such as the highly-discussed iWatch or Google's Glass eyewear...

Meet JamStik, the tiny guitar that connects with your iPhone

I've always thought it'd be cool to play the drums, or the guitar, so I'm always looking for easy ways to learn how to do so. But few products deliver on their claims that they make learning to play an instrument "easy."

The Zivix team is looking to change that though, with its new musical accessory: the JamStik. It's a tiny guitar with real strings and frets that can track your hand and finger movements for instant feedback and instruction...

Jawbone opens API for its UP fitness bracelet to third party devs

Jawbone, a company well-known for its bluetooth headsets and speakers, ventured into the world of fitness accessories last year with its UP bracelet. Well I should say re-entered. That was its second attempt with the UP, after hitting early manufacturing issues.

Today, reviews of the UP still seem to be a mixed bag, but Jawbone is looking to sweeten the deal with third party app support. Earlier today, the company unveiled its new 'UP Platform,' which it says will allow developers to integrate UP data into their apps...

MirrorCase shoots video while iPad rests laid flat

RHP Multimedia launched its MirrorCase for iPhone in May 2012. The iPhone 4/4S (a $49.95 value) and iPhone 5 case ($59.95 value) works with a free companion iOS app to let you take pictures and record video while continuing to use your device. It also doubles as an ergonomic shoulder rest for extended phone conversations. Today, the company on Kickstarter announced an iPad version of MirrorCase. What's in it for you? Read on...