Accessories

Joy of Tech weighs in on iWatch rumors

Talk of Apple working on a smartwatch has really heated up over the past week. Following a speculative piece from a former Apple engineer, both the NYT and the WSJ have reported that the company is indeed building such a product.

So what will this so-called iWatch do? Things like Siri, NFC and support for third-party apps have all been thrown about. But according to the folks over at Joy of Tech, the watch's built-in Dyson hand drier will be its killer feature...

Smarter Stand for iPhone keeps your device upright and earbuds tangle-free

What you see in the photo above is the new Smarter Stand for the iPhone and iPod touch. Created by Dotan Saguy, it's a dual-purpose accessory that acts as both a kickstand for your iOS device and a spool for your earbuds, so they don't get tangled.

It may not look like much, but don't underestimate Saguy's knack for turning simple ideas into hit products. He's already done it once with the Smarter Stand for iPad, raising over $150,000 via Kickstarter. And now he's looking to do it again...

Belkin and LEGO announce partnership, ‘buildable’ iPhone cases on the way

This is interesting, and also a bit surprising that it hasn't happened before now. Belkin, a popular third-party accessory maker for iPhones and other Apple products, has just announced a new partnership with the LEGO group.

According to the press release, the two companies have signed a multi-year licensing deal to bring a new line of cases to market, inspired by the iconic bricks—the highlight of which is said to be new 'buildable' cases...

Nike drops Fuelband Android app to focus on iOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC6wptkt2Wk

Well, this is interesting. Nike confirmed on Twitter it has ceased development of its long-overdue Android sync app for the FuelBand accessory. The company originally planned to release the software by summer 2012 to make it easy for Android-totting customers to sync with the FuelBand.

Like Jawbone's Up fitness band, Nike's FuelBand tracks your physical activity throughout the day to give you an at-a-glance overview of your habits and life patterns. Nike defends the move by citing the need to focus on the iOS app and web experiences. Could have Nike board member and Apple's chief executive Tim Cook had a hand in stymieing Android app development?

The New York Times again reports that Apple is building an iWatch

Hot on the heels of the popular 'iWatch' speculation piece from former Apple employee Bruce Tognazzini, comes a report from The New York Times that claims that such a product is actually in the works.

Citing sources 'familiar with the matter,' The Times is reporting (for the second time in the last three years) that Apple is currently in the process of developing a smartwatch that utilizes curved glass...

Former Apple human interface developer makes a case for an iWatch

With Apple's iPhone line approaching 7 years old, and the iPad nearly 3 years old, industry watchers are calling for the company to come up with 'the next big thing.' And there's two mythical products that seem to keep coming up in the conversation: the iTV and the iWatch.

While we've heard dozens of rumors concerning Apple building its own TV set, speculation regarding the iWatch has been much more subdued. Perhaps that's why this post from Bruce Tognazzini, a former Apple employee, is getting so much attention this week...

The Automee S: a tiny robot that cleans iPhone and iPad screens

Raise your hand if you like robots. Ok, now raise your hand if you hate cleaning the fingerprints and debris off of your iPhone and iPad screens. Wouldn't it be cool if there was a product out there that combined these two things?

Believe it or not, there is. Meet the Automee S, a tiny, round, Roomba-like robot that's built to automatically clean the screen of your smartphone or tablet in a matter of minutes. We've got a video of it in action after the fold...

FreedomPop confirms LTE iPad clip, launches in H2 2013

Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom-backed FreedomPop startup made waves with its Freedom Hub Burst no-contract wireless appliance that serves one gigabyte of free 4G data each month to up to 10 wireless or wired devices simultaneously.

Monday, Forbes reported that FreedomPop could unveil an iPad sleeve with 4G data via Sprint’s LTE network. A new report out today sheds more light on the matter: a FreedomPop LTE clip compatible with iPads is indeed due in the second half of this year. We've got more tidbits right after the break...

Belkin launches FastFit Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini

Logitech yesterday announced its Ultrathin Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad mini, but its rivals are not standing still. This morning, Belkin said its comparable offering will be available via its web site for the same eighty bucks as the Logitech keyboard case. Built with anodized aircraft grade aluminum, it's a fit for the iPad mini's industrial design. The FastFit Keyboard Case is also 0.3mm thinner than Logitech's (7mm vs 7.3mm).

We're not sure if anyone will be able to tell the difference in thinness, but that sure looks like a damn nice portable keyboard case, if I ever saw one. Jump past the fold for more info...

OtterBox lets you customize Defender Series cases for a limited time

Phew, today is an accessories day. Logitech owned the morning with its iPad mini Bluetooth keyboard, then Cody blogged about Mophie's 1500mAh Juice Pack Helium for the iPhone 5.

Shortly after came word of Griffin's artsy Designer Series cases which add a little bit of flair and wit to your iPhone 5.

Not to be outdone by its rivals, OtterBox has launched a case customization program for owners of the iPhone 4/4S/5 and Samsung's Galaxy S III. What's this for, you ask. How about 35 different combinations of polycarbonate and silicone cases for your iPhone 4 or 4S and a remarkable 72 combinations of different designs for the iPhone 5?

Griffin announces its artsy Designer Series cases are now available for iPhone 5

If a cell phone is an extension of your personality, shouldn't you at least try adorn your iPhone with some unique designs and memorable artwork? That's what Griffin's Designer Series is all about. And starting today, these cases are finally available for your iPhone 5.

Now, I don't use iPhone cases for they hide Jony Ive's beautiful industrial design. But if I did, I'd definitely consider the Designer Series. They look great, are printed locally in small batches and present new looks that go beyond the boring designs which are too often forced upon us by so many uninspired case makers out there...

Mophie unveils Helium Juice Pack for iPhone 5

This must be 'unveil your latest product' week for accessory makers. Logitech took the wraps off its new Ultrathin Keyboard for the iPad mini yesterday, Griffin just announced new designer iPhone 5 cases, and now Mophie has come forward.

The California-based designer and manufacturer introduced the iPhone 5 version of its popular battery case line today, the Juice Pack Helium. The case is 13% thinner than any previous Juice Pack, and features a built-in 1500mAh battery...