Accessories

Another purported iPad Pro case leaks

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Yesterday, French blog NowhereElse.fr pointed us to a few curious images of a purported protective case for an ‘iPad Pro,’ originated from a Chinese accessory vendor which makes iPad Air cases.

The sleek black case clearly shows cutouts for a rear-facing camera, Lightning connector, volume rocker, microphone, mute switch and power button.

However, the cutouts for stereo speakers believed to be located at the top and bottom of the device are nowhere to be seen. Big media has asserted that the oversized iPad will rock a screen measuring either 12.2 or 12.9 inches and one analyst believes the device may include an optional stylus for the creative types.

Meet Phorm, an iPad mini case that enhances your virtual keyboard with tactile keys

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 4, 2016

What if Apple's virtual keyboard could give you tactical feedback on each key press? This very idea has led Tactus Technology to embark on a project that'd result in a special case that magically morphs into a tactile keyboard buttons which raise up directly on your iPad mini's screen.

You're still using your on-screen keyboard, it just has a tactile feel to it now. Based on microfluidic technology, the Phorm, as they're calling it, consists of an iPad mini case and a screen protector which does all the magic.

A huge slider on the back of the case lets you dynamically add or remove fluid-filled keyboard buttons that give you tactile feedback. “The anxiety of auto-correct disappears, your productivity increases,” says Tactus.

So, is the Phorm but a gimmick? Read on.

Review: PlugBug World by Twelve South, the versatile little charger Apple should have made

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2015

Aren't you sick and tired of those unsightly, clunky wall chargers lying underneath your desk? I'm all for simplification so solutions that cut down the number of power adapters needed to juice up my devices are bound to win my attention.

Twelve South's PlugBug World is a cute hybrid charger which connects to any MacBook brick or Apple USB wall charger.

By integrating an additional 2.1-Amp USB port, this compact accessory can quickly recharge any iOS device, or a lower-powered USB device, while feeding power to a MacBook at the same time.

Continue reading as I let you in on the PlugBug's little secrets, such as its cunning adaptability, versatility and smart design choices that make it stand out from other products and turn it into an indispensable companion in your mobile arsenal.

FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus comes to an Apple Store near you

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 20, 2015

FiftyThree's Pencil, a Bluetooth enabled stylus that pairs with the iPad and is activated by pressing on the Pencil icon in the Paper app, is now available at an Apple Store near you. The accessory ships in an all-new packaging created by their in-house designer Becky Brown.

TextBlade physical multitouch keyboard collapses to just a third of iPhone size

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

If you're in the market for a physical keyboard for your iOS device but can't stand the size of existing offerings, a company called WayTools may just have the most curious answer to your needs.

Bringing a whole new typing experience, their new TextBlade keyboard has the same QWERTY layout you're accustomed to but collapses to a tiny rectangle just a third of the size of an iPhone 6, thank to built-in magnets that snap the individual pieces together.

The eyebrow raising design calls for a set of eight large touch-sensitive keys providing full access to the entire alphabet, and then some more.

Weighing just 1.5 ounces, or 43 grams, the device sports an ultra-low profile half as thick as an iPhone 6. And unlike standard rubber spring keyboards, the TextBlade does not suffer from drag, stretch or wear. Inside, it's immense technology based on six issued patents and more than a dozen patent filings.

CES 2015: upgraded Flir One thermal imager has 4x resolution, works with any Lightning iOS device

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 2, 2018

This time last year at at CES in Las Vegas, the world’s first private thermal imager, the Flir One, was announced and released six months later in the form of a case that slides onto an iPhone 5/5s. And now at CES 2015, a much improved version got unveiled which works with any Lightning-enabled iOS device and Android smartphones via USB.

Additionally, a Flir One software developer kit (SDK) was released in December for the iOS platform.

Android developers will gain access to the SDK in the Spring. Both iOS and Android editions of the Flir One SDK will let programmers write apps which access absolute temperature data for all pixels and control the camera’s shutter mode, in both manual and automatic settings.

CES 2015: Incipio’s new Prompt Folio iPad case has a built-in display for notifications

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Incipio announced a unique new case for Apple's iPad Air tablet at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas today. The case, which it's calling the Prompt Notification Folio, features a built-in OLED screen for discreetly delivering notifications from a connected device.

The Folio connects to "most smart devices" using Bluetooth Low Energy, and is capable of displaying incoming phone calls, emails, text messages, calendar appointments, low battery alerts, and more. Battery life for the case falls between 7-10 days per complete charge.

ZAGG offering 20% off everything sitewide this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 8, 2017

Folks who picked up a new smartphone or tablet over the holidays, or are just in the market for some new accessories, will want to visit ZAGG's online store this week. From now through January 9th, the manufacturer is offering 20% off of everything sitewide.

ZAGG makes a wide variety of products for both iOS and Android devices, including headphones, cases and of course the InvisibleShield screen protectors. It also has a line of highly regarded tablet keyboards, which will see significant discounts during this promo.

The Stratus XL controller takes iOS gaming to the next level [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Since Apple announced MFi controller support for iOS games, fewer options appeared than originally anticipated. The reason for a slow response is a bit surprising. However, my point of view is slightly skewed as an iOS accessory hardware reviewer. Still, I cannot imagine why app developers would not want to build in the support. Even more shocking is the small list of hardware options.

At CES 2014, it seemed like controllers would be the new thing. Unfortunately, several companies I chatted with never released their controller. We have come a long way since January 2014 and a full year plus another six months since the MFi controller support protocol released at WWDC.

SteelSeries was one of the first companies to-market with their SteelSeries Stratus. The Stratus was an extremely small MFi controller, but perfect for on-the-go gamers. Recently, they released the Stratus XL, a full sized battle tested design, similar to a true console handheld. After settling down with the XL, it changed the way I look at iOS as a gaming platform.

eBay revamps iPad app with exclusive deals on Apple accessories

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2018

The popular e-commerce service eBay on Tuesday launched its updated iPad client with a redesigned interface and exclusive deals on Apple accessories.

The 52.2-megabyte download improves your buying and selling functionality with the native tablet interface featuring bigger product images, better item suggestions, tabbed navigation, swiping, smarter search results, a brand new Today homepage and more.

Designed to put your products at the forefront and create an engaging shopping experience for buyers, the refreshed experience is aimed at “giving sellers the best platform to showcase their products and make it effortless for buyers to discover and engage with their inventory,” as per RJ Pittman, chief product officer at eBay.

Control up to five Bluetooth devices with the Satechi wireless keyboard

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 20, 2017

Apple only produces a small wireless keyboard, which is frustrating for users that require the benefits of a full sized option. Using an Apple wireless keyboard for home use is usually manageable. However, using a reduced keyboard in the office is more of a struggle. The lack of a number pad is extremely complicated when entering digit data and the like.

Why Apple is yet to produce a full size, Bluetooth keyboard is beyond understanding. Third party companies are starting to enter the space with designs that compliment Macs. For several years, Logitech and other companies offered wireless keyboards, but they are bulky and clash with Apple's aesthetic. Satechi's Wireless Smart Keyboard is filling the gap.

Twelve South’s Cyber Monday: 25 percent off BookBook cases for iPhones, iPads and Macs

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Twelve South, a premium accessory maker that designs and builds cases, stands, chargers and other Apple-exclusive accessories, is having a Cyber Monday sale today.

Calling it the biggest BookBook sale ever, they're taking 25% off all BookBook cases for iPhones, iPads and Macs and more, except for the Rutledge Edition finish.

Specifically, Twelve South's iconic genuine leather BookBook cases for iPads, MacBooks and iPhones and the BookBook Travel Journal are all included in the promotion. The sale lasts today only and quantities are limited, so it's good to move quickly on this.