ScreenProtector
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Samsung will fix bug that lets any fingerprint unlock a Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10's fingerprint reader has been balky from day one, with users reporting it could be unlocked with a 3D-printed fingerprint. Worse, a buyer recently discovered that if you install a third-party screen protector, a non-registered user could unlock the phone. Now, Samsung has acknowledged the problem and promised to patch it soon, according to Reuters.
OtterBox partners up for PopSocket case and better screen protectors
Phone case maker OtterBox is feeling mighty friendly these days. The company announced a partnership with PopSocket to create a phone case that has the ubiquitous accessory built right into it. It also revealed it is working with Gorilla Glass manufacturer Corning to bring OtterBox's first line of glass screen protectors to market.
Watch this iPhone screen protector heal scratches within a second
The folks who came up with the self-healing iPhone case is now back with something a lot more impressive. Innerexile's earlier technology could repair light scratches within about half a minute (given the right temperature, that is), but the latest version can do the same within just a second! Seriously, you'd have to study very hard to witness that brief magical moment, which proved to be tricky in our brass brush test video after the break. So what's the secret sauce behind this new coating? Well, it's dotted with microcapsules that contain an adhesive-like liquid, and when damaged, the liquid will fill the void so quickly that you probably won't even realize you've just scratched your case or screen protector.
Parenting Tip: Protecting your iOS device from bumps, bruises and bashes
Having a naked iPhone or iPad around kids means living in constant fear of one of them snagging the device and dropping smashing it on the floor. Though the iPhone and iPad are lovely devices when they are undressed, parents who want to keep their devices in pristine condition would be wise to adorn them in a case that protects them from the bumps and bruises of living in a child-filled household. Below you will find our recommended cases as well as other accessories to help you child-proof your iOS device. Cases for the iPhone and iPad The case is your first line of defense in protecting your iPhone or iPad. You'll want to choose one that provides corner protection during a fall and is sturdy enough to prevent your child from denting the device when they bump into a corner. If it has a cover, use it! A coverless case won't protect the device if the screen is impacted. I recently lost an iPad 2 because my child dropped the device and then stepped on the screen. LifeProof LifeProof isn't a super durable case, but it'll protect your device from most minor falls. It'll also protect it from a drop in the toilet or the sink. You can read our review of the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4. As an aside, OtterBox just acquired LifeProof, so I would expect to see the products continue to be sold under the OtterBox umbrella. OtterBox OtterBox makes some of the best rugged cases for the iPad and iPhone. There's the new Armor series that are rugged and waterproof as well as the trustworthy Defender series, which offers robust protection from a fall. You can read our review of the Armor case for the iPhone 5 and our review of the early Defender case for the iPad and the iPhone. Griffin Survivor Series Griffin produces the Survivor series of cases for the iPad and the iPhone, which we reviewed a few years back. The Survivor is a rugged case for the iPhone and iPad that is right up there with OtterBox in terms of quality and price. I've used one on my iPad 2 for years, and it protected the device from many near catastrophic falls. The version I had also included a nice little stand that was great for watching videos. Screen Protector An often overlooked accessory that I always buy is a screen protector. It seems whenever my kids spend any amount of time with the iPad, it comes back gooey and sticky. A screen protector wont do much to protect your device in the event of a fall, but it will make it easy to clean. I have successfully used Zagg InvisibleShield, BodyGuardz and Best Skins Ever screen protectors. Depending on what case you buy, it may come with screen protector as part of the case. You'll want to check out the case you plan on buying before you spend an extra $20 on a screen protector that you don't need. AppleCare Spend the extra money to add AppleCare to your device. The version of AppleCare for the iPhone and iPad, called AppleCare+, will provide you with a replacement device at minimal cost when (not if) the device gets damaged. You are limited to two replacements for the life of the plan.
Seidio's Vitreo tempered glass screen protectors: solid iPhone 5 protection
Many iPhone owners wrap their devices in a case for protection, but don't stop to think about protecting the screen. If they do, the screen protector is usually some sort of thin plastic film that shows bubbles or "rainbows" due to the material being different from the hard glass used on the iPhone. Seidio has released a tempered glass screen protector for the iPhone 5 called Vitreo (US$39.95) that uses an oleophobic glass with tapered edges to provide extra protection to your phone. Before we go any further, I'll admit that I'm not sold on the idea that iPhones really need screen protectors. The glass on the screen is quite durable anyway, and on the seven iPhones I've owned since 2007, I've never scratched or broken a screen. But I do know people who have dropped an iPhone and had the screen promptly shatter, so perhaps this product does have a sizable market. Opening the box, you'll find the Vitreo tempered glass screen protector, a microfiber cloth and alcohol wipes for cleaning the screen prior to installation of the Vitreo, some home button stickers (since the home button will be inset a bit more with the glass installed) in black, white, pink and light blue, and a plastic "pick" used to -- wait for it -- chase out any bubbles that might appear between the two glass layers. Unlike the plastic screen protectors, the Vitreo is quite stiff. In fact, you're warned not to bend it as it will break if you do so with enough force. The glass also adds about 0.4 ounce of weight to your iPhone 5, more than you'd expect from a plastic screen protector. The glass is rated with a 9H hardness, meaning that it is virtually shatterproof. Seidio says Vitreo can "withstand the impact of a 90-gram steel ball dropped from a height of 25 cm." That's roughly equivalent to dropping an unprotected iPhone 5 screen-first onto a rounded surface from about 20 cm height. The Vitreo can be removed once you've installed it, although Seidio recommends that you do this delicately to avoid bending the glass to its breaking point. I found the installation process to be remarkably simple, and much to my surprise there were no bubbles to be found between the Vitreo and my iPhone 5 screen once it was installed. There's only one problem with writing a review about a glass screen protector -- none of the photos I took of my iPhone 5 with the Vitreo installed really showed anything. Sure, it's visible to the eye as an extra layer of glass on your phone, but photos didn't do it justice. So the two photos for this product basically show what you get in the kit before your install the Vitreo protector. Is it worth the US$40? I'll leave that call up to you. It will most certainly keep your iPhone 5 screen free from scratches and possible breakage, and if you plan to keep your device for quite a while, it's probably a good investment.
Otterbox acquires screen protector manufacturer Wrapsol, promises more high-quality accessories
Sure, we may see acquisitions from big-name players in tech from time to time, but it's not every day that accessory makers announce new company purchases. Today, however, Otterbox has let it be known that it's scooped up Wrapsol, a film wrap manufacturer that's more commonly known for offering a slew of screen protectors for handsets, tablets and even laptops. Mum's the word on how much cash the Defender creator shelled out, but the company's CEO, Brian Thomas, appears to be quite content with its new property, saying that the addition of Wrapsol "enhances our ability to provide our customers and consumers an expanded variety of high-quality products."
Nu-Screen HD polishes your screen, doesn't moisturize your lips
If you've ever been concerned about fingerprint smudges compromising your smartphone's password, this might just be a viable solution. Nu-Screen, a company little known around these parts, has launched the Nu-Screen HD polish stick which promises to leave a "slippery smooth, non-greasy surface" on your screen. How certain are we that smearing this mystery substance on your device will prevent smudges? Well, let's just say we'd rather pat some baby powder onto our hands. But hey, if you're willing to give this a go, hit up the source link to purchase the $26 jank stick -- just make sure not to confuse this with your cherry ChapStick.
Apple announces Bumpers for iPhone 4, gets into the protection biz
During an Apple keynote, it's almost impossible to catch all of the info flooding out of Moscone. One thing we did catch, and then had to search for, was something about "Bumpers." A quick look at the pages on the Apple Web site didn't seem to show anything until I scrolled to the bottom of the Tech Specs page. Lo and behold, there was a very short description of Bumpers. Available in six colors (white, black, blue, green, orange, or pink), Bumpers slip over the stainless steel edge of your iPhone 4. They come with metal buttons for volume and power and are made of a combo of rubber and molded plastic. This may explain why we've received several tips over the last few days from people saying that iPhone cases are being removed from the Apple Stores. Bumpers are Apple's first foray into the iPhone case business (a market that has been run by third parties so far), and it will be fascinating to see not only how they sell, but what the reaction will be from long-time case manufacturers.
TUAW First Look and giveaway: A flood of NewerTech iPad accessories
Judging from the number of questions I'm asked about cases for iPads, it appears that the second decision after "What iPad should I buy?" is often "What iPad case should I consider?" Thanks to Newer Technology, TUAW received a sampling of their new line of iPad cases, and we have a few to give away to TUAW readers. We'll start with the low end of the line and work up to the pièce de résistance. Now, there are some folks who want to feel the smooth metal and glass of their iPad and just need some protection on the screen surface. For those folks, NewerTech has come up with the NuVue Clear Screen Protector for iPad. It's US$9.99 and has a one year warranty. While it's not going to protect the back of your iPad from scratches or dings, it keeps the screen in pristine condition. You can use any of the other cases I'll describe to protect the rest of the device. There's also a version that can keep your data from prying eyes, which is important if you work in the healthcare business. It's called the NuVue Privacy Protector and costs $39.99. Many people are going to want to protect the iPad case, and that's the idea of the NuGuard line. First, there's the NuGuard Silicone protective casing, which is flexible and easy to put on or remove. It has a nice, non-slip surface, and it even includes a couple of indentations on the back to ensure a tight grip when your iPad is in your hands. The NuGuard Silicone casing sells for $17.99 and comes in green, blue, red, orange, black, or semi-transparent "arctic frost."
Apple bans protective screen films from Apple Store
iLounge is reporting that Apple has banned protective screen films from its retail and online stores. Several film-screen manufacturers have confirmed that Apple's ban will take effect in May. Multiple vendors told iLounge that Apple has said that it will remove both film-only solutions from its stores, as well as any case or other accessory that includes film protection as part of its package, such as cases that include film screen protectors. The ban will reportedly impact all forms of screen film, including completely clear film, anti-glare film, and mirrored film, regardless of whether the purpose of the film is protective, decorative, or both. The ban isn't limited to iPhone films either. Apple will also prevent sales of film for iPods, iPads, and Mac computers. Apple has not specifically told film vendors why they won't allow sales of films from here on out, but many speculate that Apple believes the sales of films in its stores imply that Apple's device's screens scratch easily. The first iPod nano was infamous for screen scratching and Apple eventually settled a class action lawsuit over the device's screen in 2009. Though some people have reported their iPhone's screen scratching, many reviewers were impressed with the durability of the original iPhone's screen. PC World stated, "We were very impressed that even this deliberate attempt to scratch the screen completely failed" in regards to their first hands on tests back in 2007. With the introduction of the iPhone 3GS Apple introduced an oleophobic screen coating to help keep finger oils from smudging the display.
Targus announces screen protector for iPad with Clear View technology
It's not surprising that many of the big names in Apple device protection accessories are getting into the iPad market, even with the release of the device still about six weeks away. Targus, a longtime provider of cases and mice for Apple's laptops, announced this morning that they'll soon be selling the Targus Screen Protector for iPad. Targus has been selling fingerprint-resistant screen protectors for the iPhone and iPod touch devices for about a month, and will use the same trademarked Clear View technology for the iPad Screen Protector. The material used for the Screen Protector is covered with microscopic textures that dissipate fingerprint oils and reduce smudging on the screen, as well as reduce glare and provide a scratch-proof surface. The adhesive makes the film easy to apply without leaving bubbles, and reduces peeling that plagues other screen treatments. The Targus Screen Protector for the Apple iPad will be available in April. No price has been announced for the product at this time.
Targus dishes 'fingerprint-resistant' screen protectors, diminutive chargers
It's a battle we've all fought for years. Touchscreen-based phones and PMPs look just delightful on the shelf, but they get downright ugly once your greasy paws start mucking things up. Targus is hoping to remedy said quandary here at CES, with the company introducing a new line of patent-pending screen protectors that are supposedly "fingerprinter resistant." We're told that this Clear View technology will allow clear protectors to safeguard PMPs, smartphones, e-readers and laptops, all while shunning those unsightly smudges and smears from fingers. The model for phones should be making its way out to retail here soon for $9.99, with most of the popular models (iPhone 3GS, BlackBerry Storm / Curve / Bold / Pearl, T-Mobile G1, etc.) covered, though we're guessing it'll be awhile for those other devices to get treated. In related news, the firm also announced its smallest and lightest laptop (AC and DC) chargers, though they'll happily charge other devices thanks to the interchangeable tip system. Hop on past the break for all the details on models and prices. %Gallery-81268%
4iThumbs overlay adds a tactile keyboard to your iPhone... sorta (video)
The iPhone keyboard (or the lack thereof) has been a polarizing point for many, and while we've seen a workaround or two in our day, we've yet to see a solution to the lack of tactility as beautifully simple as this. 4iThumbs is a screen overlay that adds minuscule bumps on your iPhone display -- bumps that correspond to where the keys are when using the vertical keyboard. 'Course, these things are apt to bug you when using the horizontal keyboard (or no keyboard at all), but we're guessing the heavy texters in the crowd won't mind. Have a look at the videos below the break for a better idea of what you're about to get yourself into. Oh, and be sure to pick up a pair of Awethumbs while you're at it -- we hear these two go great together. Update: A horizontal version is available, hooray!
TV Snob isn't snobbish, gives TV Armor a thumbs up
We didn't expect it, but TV Snob put the TV Armor screen protector to the test. We chortled a bit when we first saw the product, but the good folks at TV Snob gave it a thumbs up, so a mea culpa is in order. The matte finish on the acrylic shield effectively cut down the light output of the LCD by about 5-percent, but also minimized glare effects, so the overall effect on picture quality was negligible. That pretty much stifles our concerns, so we'll let you hit that link if you're interested to know how TV Armor fared on the aesthetic and protective fronts; well worth the read if your display is subject to things that go "bump."
TV Armor: like a sneeze guard for your TV
It's a crazy world out there, and you need to protect the important things in your life -- like your TV. It's a given that a TV's screen size is directly proportional to the amount of joy it produces; but it's a cruel joke that it's also directly proportional to the amount of danger your TV faces from the big, bad world. There are more risks than airborne Wiimotes and console controllers thrown in frustration. But even non-gamers aren't safe, as the hyper-realism of HD ups the risk of hooligan-like bottle throwing at your next sporting event (once you remove the sofa covers, that is). Enter TV Armor -- acrylic protection for your plasma or LCD set, available in a range of sizes for $129 (30-32 inches) to $169 (50-52 inches). Anyone getting this probably should complain more about the company they're keeping than the increased glare, though.
DS Daily: Choice accessories
All it really takes to have a good time with your DS is a game or two, but we tend to add in a few accessories for comfort's sake ... and maybe for a bit of personalization as well. What do you go in for? Case, special headphones, or perhaps a different stylus? We want to hear about your choices. What accessories do you consider absolutely necessary? Screen protectors -- that's our pick, and yet we're surprised by how many people venture out with a bare screen.
