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Rumored next-generation iPhone casing gets handled, compared to predecessor (video)
That purported new iPhone backing has decided to show off its taller, slimmer, self again -- this time in a full 360-degree video from parts reseller, ETradeSupply. It doesn't reveal much more than what we got to see in those initial photos: a relocated headphone socket, two-tone surface and a much smaller dock connector. While the narrator comments on what may be a smaller SIM slot on the shell, as 9to5Mac notes, that's based on the smaller SIM card holder piece, rather than the real estate found inside. You can cast your own skeptical eye over the five-minute walkthrough -- we've embedded it above.
Supposed new iPhone casings show up with tall body, tiny dock connector, tons of mystery (update: a bit of the front too)
When it rains, it pours -- after a tiny drizzle of tall iPod touch leaks, we're suddenly faced with a deluge of photos of what might just be the next iPhone's back plating. If that's what we're looking at through photos supplied by a historically reliable uBreakiFix, talk of bigger iPhone screens might just pan out, as it looks decidedly taller than the iPhone 4S we use today. Apple may likewise be going all old-school iPhone on us, with a modern twist: we could be reverting to an aluminum back with more receptive materials (likely glass) at the ends, just in a much thinner form that keeps the steel antenna band. Perhaps the most intriguing bit is at the bottom, where rumors of a much smaller dock connector may have been validated along with a shift of place for the headphone jack. There's still a chance we're looking at an elaborate KIRF or an early engineering prototype that could change, but given that 9to5 Mac just got very similar images with black trim, there's a real possibility that we've just been given a sneak peek of what to expect from Apple later this year. Update: A handful of extra photos have surfaced at 9to5 that show a bit of the front, as well as better views of the back. It's looking like the new model won't quite be as skinny as some photos suggest, and we're digging the different-hued, two-tone design a bit more now that it's not being subjected to Mr. Blurrycam. We've included the more choice shots in the gallery. [Thanks to Brandon and Steven from uBreakiFix] %Gallery-156349%
Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video)
iOS device security has regularly been a concern of the government, but locking down one of Apple's devices for the government is still fresh. Precise Biometrics hopes to have the problem licked through the Tactivo, a combo fingerprint and smart card reader for the iPhone 4 / 4S (and the iPad, in the summer). Either method keeps data inside an app away from prying eyes, and while they won't tighten the security around the built-in apps, they do make sure a third-party app's data meets US and international government privacy specs without having to use a BlackBerry. We're not surprised that the Tactivo needs to engulf the iPhone in a full case to work its magic, although there's a micro-USB port to keep it powered and synced up. It's all a bit much if you're just trying to make sure your list of high school crushes stays a secret, and the price reflects that -- at $249 a pop, the Tactivo is really meant for agencies and companies for whom losing the data on an iPhone would cost a lot more. Still, if you're running an outfit encouraging BYOD phone use or just really, really want your secret passions to stay private, both the iPhone case and a BioSecrets app are ready today.
HTC One S unibody housing micro arc oxidation process eyes-on
HTC's One S -- launched earlier this year at Mobile World Congress -- features a nifty ceramic-like finish that is achieved using micro arc oxidation. We've of course heard about the process and been treated to the details of the treatment but had yet to see it translated for our eyes to behold. HTC has a stand set up at CTIA detailing the steps from blank lump of aluminum to the finished HTC One S product with its lovely smooth black shell. Have a quick peek at the gallery below and then on to the video tour of the process steps from stamping to grinding to 10,000-volt shock. Plasma!
Dressing up the iPhone
The iPhone has an iconic look, but not everyone is content with the standard black and white casing. A report in the New York Times details how a growing number of people are risking their warranty by modding their phones. It's not just individuals working alone in their garage, but a new set of companies whose primary business is to help you tweak your phone's appearance There's Zeetron which offers an iGlow modification that'll light up the Apple logo when you are using your phone and Material6 which sells kits to replace the back of your iPhone with a rustic, wooden casing. It's the predictability of the iPhone that's allowed these cottage companies to flourish. Unlike Android phones which come in a variety of sizes and shapes, the iPhone's dimensions have remained relatively consistent. Of course, there was a big jump from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4, but among five models that was the biggest deviation from a consistent product design.
Bloomberg: New iPhone with touch-sensitive casing coming
Bloomberg is the latest outlet to come up with some rumors about the possible new iPhone model coming this year (the iPhone, not the tablet, although doesn't it seem like the flood of tablet rumors has encouraged all kinds of Apple speculation lately?). They say that the new handset will include a 5 megapixel camera to match Google's Nexus One, and will also include a touch-sensitive casing, working similarly to the Magic Mouse. That one just seems strange -- what would you gesture on the back of the iPhone while you're using it? They also say, quoting Goldman Sachs analyst Robert Chen, that there'll be plenty of new innovations in the software as well. We certainly hope so. According to this round of rumors, the new phone would go into production in April, and be released to stores in June or July, a timeline that actually matches up with what we've heard before. Rumors are a dime a dozen, and even if a new phone does come out in July, that's too long to wait if you need to buy a phone right now. But we'll keep our ears open -- there certainly is a lot of increased speculation about Apple hardware lately, and there ought to be something in the pipeline driving it all.
BMW-designed Thermaltake Level 10 scores breathless review
As PC cases go, the Level 10 is easily the most outrageous design to ever get the go-ahead for commercial distribution, and according to PC Perspective the reason for that is clear: the product's workmanship and long-term durability match its most excellent looks. Weighing in at nearly 50 pounds of densely packed aluminum, the Level 10 sports a modular design with room for six hard (or solid state) drives, three optical drives, multiple jumbo-sized GPUs, and even an appropriately huge power supply. Alas, the one shortcoming of all this supersizing (apart from the price) is pretty big in itself -- the case turned out to be so large as to make it impossible to connect some components with their standard cabling. We'll call that a newbie filtration feature and continue to hope someone loves us enough to buy us one.
Translucent XCM Eye Candy case encourages licking of DSi
Oh sure, the DSi was the definite hotness when it sprung onto the scene earlier this year, but if you're growing somewhat bored of the same old camera + touchscreen action, why not spruce things up with an all new exterior? The case you're looking at above does require the disassembly of your console, and thus, you can kiss your remaining warranty goodbye. Frankly, we view the sacrifice as thoroughly worth it, as XCM's Eye Candy shell is practically guaranteed to get more eyes, fingers and tongues on your machine. And really, who wouldn't want that?[Via Boing Boing]
Waterproof 5D Mark II housing allows for 1080p under the sea
People are already using Canon's groundbreaking 5D Mark II to shoot feature films, but we never thought we'd see the next Jaws captured with a DSLR. 'Course, whether or not Mr. Spielberg will actually choose to use one remains to be seen, but at least the option's there now. Famed underwater imaging company Sea&Sea has just outed its newest waterproof casing, promising to keep the 1080p-capable DSLR safe for up to 60 meters under the surface. The only issue? It'll set you back almost as much as the camera body, or ¥283,500 ($2,998). Good thing you've got a Hollywood-sized budget, yeah?[Via Akihabara News]
The bacon iPhone sleeve: for discerning eyes only
Are you a classy sort of lady or gent? Looking for something understated and sophisticated to adorn your iPhone that says, 'Hey world, I've got refinement to spare'? You're in luck then, as German artist and rising accessories star Antje has created the bacon iPhone sleeve with which to adorn your precious, high-society gadget. It's the perfect thing to go with your meat iPod case, and your actual meat cellphone. Get them while they last for only €25 (or around $31), you foppish bon vivants![Thanks, Jesse]
ACARD's dual 2.5-inch RAID enclosure is slim, hungry for power
If you're looking for an odd, yet usable storage solution, perhaps ACARD's Mirror Smart Mini is the thing for you. The device uses two 2.5-inch SATA drives side by side in a small enclosure; the drives can be mapped as a hardware-based RAID 1 array, or can be used as separate devices. The aluminum casing plugs into your system using USB 2.0, but unfortunately requires an AC adapter for power, thus making it slightly less awesome than we want it to be. Regardless, if you're moving around a lot and need a backup option, you might have found your $69 answer.[Via Everything USB]
Faced with Nerf or nothing, we choose Nerf
There's nothing elegant or alluring about Nerf's DS Lite Armor cases, but they look protective enough to guard against even the most rugged lifestyles. The $12.99 ensemble holds the handheld close with a plastic shell and swaddles it with Nerf's unique foam padding. Nothing short of a tactical nuclear weapon (or a puppy that loves to chew on your valuables) will penetrate its cushioned coat. Though GameStop advertises that the cases won't be available until next month, Fanboy reader PW was able to acquire one early by setting his DS clock ahead. According to his impressions, the extra padding allows people with "giant gorilla hands" to finally play games on a DS Lite without having to suffer hand cramps. We've got more photos of his Nerf DS Lite Armor after the post break, so don't miss out on those. You should note that while PW's case is orange, that particular color isn't listed as an option on its packaging or on several online sites. Maybe this is an in-store-exclusive edition? You might want to head to a brick and mortar shop if you want to purchase one anyway, as GameStop's online product page states the following gem: "The DS Lite Nerf Armor comes in 4 colors: Pink, Blue, Black and Green. Colors are chosen at random when shipped."Who's the genius that came up with that plan?!
New plastic from NEC foretells thinner phones
We kinda thought phones were thin enough, but NEC begs to differ, and it's showing off a new plastic to prove it. NEC's unusual bioplastic -- made primarily of corn -- is unique in that it conducts heat better than stainless steel, allowing manufacturers to forgo the use of other heat-diffusing materials inside handsets. The result is a thinner phone that is far more biodegradable than those whose cases are made from less science-fictiony materials. Paper-thin phones that get hot to the touch? Count us in![Thanks, Allen]
SHOCKii replacement shells available for pre-order
When we last previewed Xtreme Enterprise's replacement shells for the Nintendo Wii, we only caught a glimpse of the prototype faceplate and side panels, leaving us to wonder how the completed product would turn out. The Singapore-based company finally released photos of the assembled casing earlier today, daring us to find a flaw with the SHOCKii's design. We think you'll agree after seeing them that there isn't one to be found. The shells are constructed with composite polycarbonate and ABS plastic, fitting together exactly like the Wii's original frame. Xtreme Enterprise has had a lot of time to perfect its process, using the same material for its Nintendo DS and nunchuck replacement casing. You can pre-order the full replacement shells in five different colors: Cool Black, Dreamy Blue, Strat Clear (semi-transparent), Dynamic Red, and Astro Yellow. All of the cases are priced at $69.90.Head past the post break for photos of the SHOCKii's Cool Black shell.
SHOCKii Wii case replacement prototype photos
While most are satisfied with the sterile white casing of their Wii, many still pine for the variety of color options Nintendo originally promised. Gamers looking to add a bit of spice to their vanilla systems will welcome SHOCKii, a collection of replacement Wii cases from the same people behind the CHUCKii nunchuck shells and SHOCK DS Lite cases.Singapore-based XTreme Enterprise has put up the first photos of their prototype "cool black" casing. The ABS plastic faceplate, buttons and controller panels manage to not look cheap at all, despite the planned pricing being equivalent to "a Wii/DS game." The final SHOCKii cases will be available in Astro Yellow, Dreamy Blue, Dynamic Red, Cool Black and Strat Clear.
Apple's Mac Pro case, same as the old case (almost)
According to Apple Insider's latest information, it looks like Apple's upcoming Intel-based Mac Pro desktop is going to end up looking pretty much the same as the current Power Mac G5 that it's replacing, with only a couple of small modifications. The biggest change is the addition of a second optical drive slot (seen in an artist's rendition, above), which Apple Insider rightly speculates will probably ship empty in the initial units, giving users the choice to add a Blu-Ray or HD DVD drive as their wallet permits. The other change comes at the rear of the unit, where the power supply has been moved further to the top, bringing it more in line with Windows PC designs. Of course, this could just be a diversion to make it an even bigger surprise when Jobs unveils a radically redesigned system at a hastily arranged "special event", but we wouldn't bet on it.[Thanks, Bababooie]
PS3 pad loses DualShock name and vibration but picks up Wii-esque motion detection and wireless connectivity
In a shocking turn of events, the PS3 controller has gone from banamerang to wireless DualShock 3, except without the DualShock name and vibration.If you take a good look at the back of the new control pad (see the close-up above), you'll notice that the DualShock 2 brand name imprinted on the old controller has now been supplanted by a row of LED lights to show which input has been set, either wirelessly or via the wired USB recharge port. Sony's now the only name in-line for PS3 controllers either on the pad or in the press releases (see "the new PS3 controller").
