Dock

DockFlow: add Barrel-inspired animations to your dock

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 24, 2014

DockFlow is a great way to spruce up the iPhone's dock. It allows you to add Barrel-like animations to the dock in a way that genuinely works. If you're at all a fan of Barrel—the legendary jailbreak tweak by Aaron Ash—then you'll feel right at home with DockFlow.

The tweak, which is available for $1.99 on Cydia's ModMyi repo, lets users add as many app icons as they care to place into the dock. From there, you can switch between nearly a dozen different animations ranging from the tame to the not so tame. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside for a brief look at DockFlow.

Arq – the nested dock that keeps on docking

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 24, 2014

The Arq, a new Kickstarter project, seeks to solve the problem of charging multiple devices simultaneously. This cleverly engineered accessory lets you charge multiple form factor iOS and Android devices individually, via either Lightning or micro USB. And thanks to its modular design, devices can be charged in groups or closely nested together, because Arq docks can be conveniently nested together, all within a small footprint.

To give you the exact idea of the Arq's size, each measures 1.85 inches deep, 4.03 inches wide and 1.38 inches tall. There are also nano micro suction pads on the bottom that keep the Arq firmly anchored to smooth surfaces for easy undocking, as seen on the Slope iPad stand I recently reviewed...

How to get the reflected iOS 6 dock back on iOS 7

Joe Rossignol ∙ January 20, 2014

For whatever reason — we're not judging — you simply don't like the blurred and translucent dock on iOS 7. We understand. A new jailbreak tweak by the name of ClassicDock is all you need, bringing the reflected iOS 6 dock right back to your Home screen on the newer version. It's that simple.

This is a fully plug-and-play extension that works its magic immediately after being installed in Cydia, with no options to configure in the Settings app. Read ahead for a few more details…

Apple patents smart iDevice dock with always-listening Siri capability

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 5, 2013

An interesting Apple patent application has surfaced in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database on Thursday. Titled 'Smart dock for activating a voice recognition mode of a portable electronic device,' the filing basically describes a smart dock of sorts for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices with a unique feature giving Apple's Siri digital personal assistant a permanent place in your home, with a cool always-on functionality.

Unlike Motorola's Moto X handset with on-device Google Now feature always in the listening mode and responding to the 'OK Google' phrase, Apple's patent relies on a hardware dock providing the listening functionality, with users being able to set a custom audio prompt that will trigger Siri...

MiStand is a simple and functional stand for your device

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

iPad stands and docks are a great way to store and use the device without personally holding it. One of my favorite iOS device accessories, there are many stands and docks laying around on my desks, so many, I even let my friends borrow them on occasion. With a dedicated work station in my home office, I like viewing my devices in an upright position. It is simply easier to watch for notifications without picking up the device to look at the screen. Stands also keep my devices off dusty surfaces like the coffee table, book shelves or kitchen counter.

Anywhere I sit or stand for more than 10 to 15 minutes has an iOS device stand. The living room book shelves and side tables, kitchen counter, office desk, and sometimes my night stand all have device stands or docks. In an effort of generosity, even the guest bedroom has a charging alarm/clock/iPhone dock. All of my rambling is to say, I am quite well versed in the dock arena and MiStand by Mi is quite impressively giving all former stands a challenge for my top spot...

ZAGG’s Origin wireless speaker combo [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

The Bluetooth speaker is making its way as a universal speaker for all mobile devices. As I mentioned in a previous Bluetooth speaker round up just last week, it appears more companies are entering the Bluetooth speaker marketplace. Also, it seems fewer companies are producing dock based speakers. After Apple turned the iPhone dedicated aftermarket upside down by eliminating the 30 pin cable, fewer companies want to continue chancing a Lightning pin specific option. With the universal Bluetooth standard, not only does the company future proof their design, but all mobile devices will work effortlessly, thus preventing costly dedicated iPhone models.

ZAGG (you know them as one of the original iPhone skin companies) is also branching into the mobile media scene. No longer just the InvisibleShield company, ZAGG and their new subsidiary iFrogz are getting their hands dirty in a cross platform way. From skins to cases to audio, there is certainly a diversification for the company. I was able to review a new pair of their Bluetooth headphones a few weeks back and today, a closer look at the ZAGG Bluetooth speaker, should leave everyone begging for more.

The ZAGG Origin, which made its first splash at CES 2013, had escaped my radar until recently. With a streamlined design and hard hitting sound, I was excited to receive a review unit. Origin may look like it is just another part of the average Bluetooth line up, but a detachable companion speaker is the second part of a one-two punch to success...

MiDock for iPhone is a simple and minimal desktop companion

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

Like iPhone sleeve cases, the "dock" is a generally over populated hardware field that many manufacturers throw out as an option. With so many different docks on the market, little things make or break the product. At what angle is the iPhone sitting, does it adjust, what are the materials, can it hold both iPhone and iPad, etc? Today, I take a look at the successfully Kickstarted MiDock and put it through the paces.

My first impressions of the device were very positive and for my personal preferences, it fit with my iPhone usage. However, after looking at the MiDock more critically, it might not be for everyone. Take a stop beyond the fold to determine if the MiDock is right for you...

Bluelounge releases Rolio and CableDrop Mini for cable management woes

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

It is no surprise, considering the number of Bluelounge reviews I cover, I am a big fan of this product line. Consequently, when my friend at their office asked if I wanted to check out their latest invention, I quickly responded to the request. Bluelounge makes great products that solve simple everyday problems. Many companies claim to do the same, but setting themselves apart, Bluelounge solves these mundane problems in elegant ways with products like Kii, MiniDock, Mika, and Saidoka.

Today, two new products are announced, Rolio and CableDrop Mini. Both newly released items take on the challenge of creative cord management. Everyone struggles to keep cords in-check on their work stations, but with these two options, at least there is some organization to the madness...

Apple introduces new $29 docks for the iPhone 5s and 5c

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

While there weren't too many surprises during today's iPhone event, we did get a couple of small ones afterwards. Apple quietly introduced a handful of new accessories for its just-revealed iPhone 5c and 5s handsets.

These accessories include a new 2 meter (or 6.5ft) Lightning to USB Cable, which is twice as long as the previous version, as well as—surprisingly—two new Lightning charging docks for its two new smartphones...

CopyDock: an iOS 7 inspired dock for iOS 6

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

If you're looking for a subtle way to imitate some of the features of iOS 7 on your lesser firmware, then CopyDock is a new jailbreak tweak you might want to try. CopyDock brings an iOS 7 inspired dock to iOS 6 devices with no options or settings to configure.

CopyDock isn't a perfect 1:1 match of the dock found in iOS 7, but it's close. Have a look at our brief video inside to see what I mean.

Galileo is a multipurpose remote motion stand for iPhone

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a review of the photography app Sphere (formerly TourWrist). After reading the review, the app’s developer sent me Motrr’s new photography mount, Galileo, which is a perfect accessory to the 360-photography app.

Motrr’s new spherical recording device made the front pages when its Kickstarter campaign went supernova and made seven times its original goal. The Galileo is currently shipping to Kickstarter pledgers and Motrr is taking preorders for the device for a mid-October launch.

In addition to being a spherical recording device that fits perfectly with Sphere, Motrr’s Galileo is an iOS-controlled remote motion stand for the iPhone and iPod touch. The device features 360-degree spherical rotation capability and lets users take pictures or view streaming video using pan-and-tilt speeds of up to 200 degrees per second. Set up your iPhone with Galileo and use another iOS device to control it by swiping your finger on the screen to move the angle in any direction you like. This multipurpose stand lets you use your iPhone for video conferencing, baby monitoring, and more...

HiRise: iPhone’s new throne pedestal by Twelve South

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

A couple weeks ago, we highlighted the launch of Twelve South's newest accessory, the HiRise for iPhone 5 and iPad mini. I was able to finally get my hands on one and can report the excitement is worth the hype. For those new to the Twelve South scene, the company is a premium and Apple exclusive accessory maker, made famous for simple and elegant products like the iPhone SurfacePad, BookBook case, and BookArc.

Humbly setting a company goal to launch 12 Mac accessories each year, each new item is focused on design and function. Often, the elegance and intricacies of Twelve South products are found in the smallest of details, which often make the user experience even more enjoyable.

The HiRise for iPhone is no exception to the quality build and functional design of the product line. The HiRise for iMac or for MacBook Pro are popular items and the ported design easily conforms to iPhone 5 and iPad mini. With a small footprint, the newest HiRise is an excellent desktop companion...