Accessories

Video shows off the Pebble wristwatch user interface

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2012

Pebble, an iPhone-connected wristwatch, made rounds earlier this year. It took the iOS community by storm with its advanced features like the ability to pull various data off your iOS or Android device, the stuff like caller ID, email, calendar alerts, Facebook messages and Twitter notifications.

It also has a software development kit and features an e-paper display viewable in direct sunlight, a built-in accelerometer and a battery that will last you a staggering 7 days.

And now, the folks behind this interesting Kickstarter project have decided to show off an early beta of the Pebble's gorgeous user interface...

The new coco controller isn’t your average iOS gamepad

Cody Lee ∙ August 14, 2012

The physical game controller space for iOS is still up for grabs. There are some nice options already on the market, sure. But none of them have really managed to stand out, or pull ahead of the pack.

That's why we continue to see new iOS controllers pop up all the time — it's still anyone's game. And as you've probably already gleaned from the title, we've got another one to show you.

The coco controller, by Milkshake Labs, is a new gamepad for iOS devices (and a few Android handsets). On the surface, it looks like your average controller. But it's definitely not...

Turn your iPad into a hardcover book with eBook Jackets

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Here's another Kickstarter project that has made a name for itself by blowing past its funding goal. Out of Print's eBook Jackets are essentially hard cover book cases for your iPad.

The cases are customizable, and comparatively inexpensive. So if you own an iPad, either second or third generation, and use it to read eBooks, you might want to check this out...

Smarter Stand makes your Smart Cover smarter

Cody Lee ∙ August 10, 2012

If you have an iPad, and a Smart Cover for that iPad, then that makes you the perfect candidate for the Smarter Stand. The tiny accessory, composed of 2 clips, promises to turn your Smart Cover into a full-featured iPad stand.

Wish your Smart Cover was more sturdy when propping up your iPad? Smarter Stand can help with that. Wish your Smart Cover offered a wider range of viewing angles? Smarter stand can help with that too. And here's how it works...

Rokform v3 Bike Mount rules the trails [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated December 28, 2016

As a CES design award nominee, Rokform never ceases to impress with their array of iPhone and iPad accessories. If you happened to miss our Rokbed v3 Custom Case review and giveaway, you didn't know Rokform has an extensive list of useful items designed to enhance the overall functionality of the v3 cases.

The Rokbed v3 Bike Mount Kit works seamlessly with the included Rokbed v3 case and keeps your iPhone front and center while hitting the trails. Thanks to our friends at Rokform, we've been able to test our own and give you a chance to win a case and mount too...

Introducing Bladepad, the detachable iPhone gamepad

Cody Lee ∙ August 6, 2012

A few days ago we asked the question, "Should Apple build a game controller?" It was a pretty fair question, considering that the graphics in iOS titles are getting closer and closer to console-quality, but the gameplay isn't.

We've seen several accessory-makers try to remedy this problem by building physical gamepads, but none of them have managed to gain consumer traction. The new Gamepad, however, is hoping to change that...

The Nexus 7 “Smart Cover” in action — how should Apple respond?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ August 2, 2012

Today I received my Nexus 7 "Smart Cover". Okay, it's really just a bulky case, but it closely mimics the function of Apple's innovative means of screen protection. I ordered it simply to compare it to Apple's original version of the Smart Cover.

As you have probably heard, the Nexus 7 contains an unadvertised feature — magnets on the front right-side of the device, which very much imitate the iPad's sleep/wake functionality.

Should Apple be upset with this unadvertised feature?

The Phillips Mini Hi-Fi: the ultimate iPhone-run party machine

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 12, 2018

Every good party needs good music. And nowadays, most people seem to store most of their good music on their iPod or iPhone. So that makes iOS compatibility an important feature when you're out shopping for a stereo.

There's no shortage of music players that have a 30-pin dock connector, and there's several to pick from that can connect to your device through AirPlay. But sometimes a Jambox isn't enough. Enter the Phillips Mini Hi-Fi...

FLASHr: a flash notifications case for your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

It seems like a gross oversight, on Apple's part, that there's no external indicator for notifications on the iPhone. This means that unless you happen to see a push notification come through, you have to unlock your handset to see if you have any missed calls or text messages.

Apple tried to remedy this issue with a new feature in iOS 5 called LED Flash for Alerts. It uses the iPhone's camera flash to alert users that they have new notifications, but for a number of reasons, this solution is far from perfect. Enter the new FLASHr case by Phaze5...

Purported iPad mini cases surface ahead of expected launch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 4, 2018

Now that it's been all but confirmed that Apple will be hosting a media event in September, the spotlight turns to the focus of the meeting. Obviously, a new iPhone is a given. But what else will Apple be unveiling that day?

One report suggests that we could see the rumored iPad mini at the event, although there is still no actual evidence that such a product exists. But that's not stopping case-makers from ramping up production...

We’re giving away two Cellhelmet cases for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 21, 2012

Last week we covered the Cellhelmet by CellPig in a featured review. This is one of the few cases we have found that comes with a one-year iPhone repair and replacement plan for free when you purchase the case.

If you didn't rush off to buy one, here is your chance to score one for yourself. Thanks to CellPig, we are happy to offer our engaged readers a chance to take home a Cellhelmet of their own in the color of their choosing...

The InVogue iPad stand is the perfect accessory for couch potatoes

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 10, 2018

Hitting the ground in early 2000, LapWorks, Inc. began making portable products for notebook computers. Over the last decade, the company has made items for major hardware companies, including privately labelled products for Targus. LapWorks then began making products for the iPad in 2010 and now offers a wide assortment of hardware accessories, of which the InVogue iPad Stand is a proud member.

There are plenty of evenings when my wife or I enjoy a movie on our iPad. As a hardware reviewer, there are plenty of iPad cases and stands around the house made specifically for that situation, but none of them are hands or lap-free. By that, I mean, the iPad must be held/rested on my lap or nearby table. Those who do not invest in fancy accessories are just holding it in their hands, and what a shame it is!

Everyone has experienced the burning shoulder syndrome that is caused by trying to hold the iPad at the perfect viewing angle while taking in their favorite Netflix movie. The InVogue iPad Stand is the prescription only LapWorks can fill...