Bluetooth

The myType is a pocketable Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone or iPad

Cody Lee ∙ June 29, 2013

When Apple introduced the first iPhone back in 2007, it sparked a revolution in the smartphone industry: no more physical keyboards. Think about it, outside of BlackBerry and a few scattered Android handsets, who is still making smartphones with physical keyboards? No one, really.

And I don't personally mind it. It took some getting used to, but I've gotten pretty quick at typing on the iPhone's touchscreen. But for those who haven't quite picked it up yet, there are plenty of accessories available to help you out— like this new myType Bluetooth keyboard...

Jawbone executive unveils new ‘August’ digital door lock

Cody Lee ∙ May 30, 2013

Well known designer and Chief Creative Officer of Jawbone, Yves Behar, gave the world a preview of his next big venture last night. It's called 'August,' and it's an iPhone-connected digital lock system that promises to change the way we open doors.

Now, Internet-enabled smart locks aren't anything new. But what the August brings to the table is a sleek design—which was fashioned by Behar (who designed the Jambox, Up)—and superior functionality. Think of it as the Nest for door locks...

Kwikset outs iPhone-exclusive wireless door lock

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

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

Ed Sutherland ∙ May 7, 2013

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

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

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...

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

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

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...

Logitech unveils Surface-like $149 FabricSkin Keyboard Folio

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 6, 2013

A month ago, accessory maker Logitech launched colorful new Keyboard Folios for iPads. Prior to that, the company announced the Ultrathin Keyboard for the iPad mini (our own Jeff Benjamin liked it) and a solar-powered Bluetooth keyboard which doubles as an iPad protective sleeve.

Tapping all that expertise and knowledge and taking a page from Microsoft's book, logitech today announced new iPad keyboard covers which behave a lot like Microsoft's Touch Cover and Type Cover for the Surface tablet.

These new covers are available with or without built-in keyboard, come in a range of colors and are billed as the first Bluetooth keyboard solution with keys seamlessly fused into its interior fabric.

I've included more information and two nice promo clips so jump past the fold to learn more about these Surface-like iPad cases...

Apple patent outlines proximity iPhone-to-Mac file transfers

Ed Sutherland ∙ April 17, 2013

If you have some media content on your iPhone that needs to get to a Mac, the transfer can be cumbersome. Apple appears to be tapping wireless technologies to smooth out such operations, simply by having your mobile device near your desktop or portable Mac computer.

A patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office outlines a way for Macs to sense when a mobile device is nearby. Your iPhone can then transmit that great vacation photo to the Mac, which then inserts the image into an email, or even photo manipulation application...

The Braven 600 portable speaker is on point

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Having reviewed different ranges of audio accessories for iOS devices, until now, I had yet to review a portable wireless speaker set. There are plenty around, but none of them ever piqued my interest. Unless my wife started asking about them, I would not have considered owning a wireless speaker considering I have a pretty serious home system and a pair of nice headphones.

After spotting the Braven 600, I figured why not give it a shot. It seemed like a well-built option, considering the price. Braven is a company with which I was not immediately familiar, but when I opened the box, I was quite surprised at the well-packaged speaker. It's a perky little thing, for the size, and it is a nice addition to my current line up. Follow me past the fold for the full details...

Review: Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

My goal was to type more efficiently on my iPad mini, without sacrificing the device's portability. I also wanted a keyboard that would actually improve my typing ability, not hinder it. I found such a product with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini.

I know — that's a whole lot of name for such a diminutive product. Let's just call it the Ultrathin mini hereafter, shall we? Good. Let's talk about what makes this little device so special, and how it has significantly improved my iPad mini based workflow.

How to create a makeshift gaming console with a jailbroken iPad mini, an Apple TV, and a Dual Shock 3

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

I had the privilege of testing out Matthias Ringwald and Roger Wetzel's excellent update to one of my favorite jailbreak apps. The app is called Blutrol, and it allows you to use external Bluetooth controllers like the iCade, and now, Sony's Dual Shock 3 (Sixaxis) controller, to control iOS games.

Their decision to add Sixaxis support to iOS is a very big step in the right direction for gamers who use Blutrol. Version 3.0 brings support for it, analog controls, and the 3rd party Duo Gamer controller as well.

In the past, I only used Blutrol when using my iCade arcade cabinet. While that's nice, there's something to be said about using a handheld controller, especially when it's a legendary controller like Sony's. As you can probably imagine, the features included with Blutrol 3.0 open up a whole new playing field when it comes to iOS gaming on jailbroken devices. Check inside for a configuration guide and video walkthrough showcasing my setup.

The best iPad jailbreak tweaks

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

I’m going to be honest with you — jailbreaking an iPad hasn't been nearly as appealing to me as jailbreaking my iPhone. But as I started working on this list, I realized that there really are some awesome, and I mean awesome ways to trick out your iPad once it's jailbroken.

Considering that I do a lot of writing on my iPad, I found that a many of these tweaks immensely helped my writing workflow. Tweaks like BeeKeyboard, and SwipeSelection are absolute essentials for iPad writers, even if you're not really into the jailbreak scene.

Obviously that's not all, as virtually everyone will find a jailbreak app or tweak that suits their fancy. Yes, the iPad jailbreak scene is alive, and it's better than ever. Despite my initial doubts, I was able to come up with this solid list of 15 best jailbreak tweaks for iPad running iOS 6. There's no filler here, and no fluff — each of these tweaks represent, what in my opinion, is the best of the best. Take a look inside, and see for yourselves.