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RIM patent proposes battery-charging cellphone holster
Even after the many announcements at this year's BlackBerry World Conference, Waterloo is keeping that patent train a-rollin'. In a filing granted today, we get a glimpse of what RIM could have up its sleeve, er, on its hip. The claims detail flexible batteries built into holsters that recharge your phone when you're on the go -- all the while communicating to your BB's CPU to bring you alerts through its own speakers -- thus avoiding muffled sounds from covered parts. That's all well and good, but here's the real question: will these things eventually play nice with fuel cell-powered Berries?
The iPhone belt buckle holster is for the cowboy in you
What do you get for the cowboy who has everything? How about a huge brass iPhone belt buckle/holster? The $300 brass or aluminum cage sheaths an iPhone 4 or 4S and allows the wearer to choose how he displays his phone- either as a belt buckle or a pocket holster. Either way, should he ever be challenged to an iPhone duel, the top of the holster easily flips up for quick draw access to the iPhone. John Marston, lookout!
Ballistic Universal Sport Rugged: Tough protection for your iPhone
Just in time for the iPhone 4S, Ballistic sent me one of their Ballistic Universal Sport Rugged (US$29.99) holsters to check out. It's a great case for those who want a clip-on holster-style case that offers a medium level of protection of your iPhone (all models) while providing quick access for calls or working with apps. Design I'm usually not a fan of things that clip onto your belt. Way back in the early 2000s, I had a small Nokia phone clipped to my belt while doing some four-wheeling near Ouray, Colorado. To check clearance between the huge rocks on the dirt road and the bottom of my vehicle, I kept hopping out of the driver's seat to take a look. Upon returning to Ouray for a celebratory beer, I discovered that my phone was gone. Since then, I've stuck to dropping my phone into a pants pocket instead. Things change, though, and most clip-on holsters now have a small bump on the bottom end that does a much better job of keeping the holster attached to a belt or waistband. That's the situation with the clip on the Ballistic Universal Sport Rugged. The case itself is made of a thick nylon material that is quite stiff. There's also a rubber-like material that covers the right side of the case. This material is punctuated by the trademarked "Soundvent," which offers a way for ringtones and alerts to make it to your ears even when your phone is wrapped in protective nylon. Considering how many different types of cases are available, it's surprising that the Ballistic Universal Sport Rugged only comes in one color - black. It shouldn't be difficult to make a case like this in other colors and patterns. A Velcro closure keeps your iPhone in place in the case while you're running, tap-dancing, playing hockey, or getting out of your SUV to check ground clearance. There's a big patch of Velcro, too, not just a tiny strip. This sucker will remain closed, thank you. Functionality Since I couldn't activate my iPhone 4S immediately today thanks to a big AT&T fail, I used the new phone to check out the case. Since this is a universal case -- it'll work with just about any smartphone -- there's a bit of extra space for the iPhone. It'll rattle about a bit in the case, but if that doesn't bother you, it'll do the job. I personally wish that the case was designed specifically for the iPhone 4 / 4S for a more snug fit. On the plus side, the clip on the Sport Rugged is excellent, and the Velcro definitely keeps this thing closed regardless of movement. If you're a law enforcement officer who carries and has a nice holster, you'll like how the Sport Rugged matches your existing gear. For the rest of us, this is a holster case that will have appeal to those who are into the great outdoors. While the case is protective and should help against most scrapes, scratches, and drops, it is open on the sides at the top and that provides a vulnerable spot. In addition, the Sport Rugged doesn't really protect your device from splashes which could go into the openings. Conclusion The Ballistic Universal Sport Rugged will appeal to the outdoorsy types who like the look of holster-type cases. It's well built and should last for a while, but the "one size fits all" case is a bit too large for an iPhone and should be more snug. For someone who is looking for a more protective case that is specifically designed for your device, you may wish to consider the OtterBox Defender ($49.95). It's a bit more expensive, but offers a lot more protection and comes in colors other than black. Ballistic also has a line of cases called the Hard Core Series that is much more protective and starts at only $5 more.
New Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 holder comes with bike attached
For a tablet that prides itself in being thin and lightweight, the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 accessory sure adds considerable heft to the device. The Korean manufacturer's UK branch has teamed up with 14 Bike Co to bring the world the Samsung Galaxy bicycle -- a mild-mannered bike with a custom paint job and a detachable holder for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 made from carbon fiber. So, why carry a tablet on a bicycle? For checking things like mileage planners and route trackers on the go, apparently. No word on pricing yet, but we're guessing that this'll be among the more expensive tablet accessories out there. Press information after the break.
HTC EVO 3D accessories revealed, attempt to appease kickstand fans everywhere
Still dismayed by the EVO 3D's missing kickstand? Apparently HTC feels your pain, and will attempt to end your suffering with its new "Video Dock." Per SprintFeed, the $50 accessory -- previously listed as "coming soon" on Best Buy's website -- will shortly give you the satisfaction of propping up your baby, when it arrives at the big-box retailer on August 21st. Joining in on the fun is a $24 holster-shield combo, which lands that very same day. Can't wait that long? Soothe that urge with an "official" phone cover, which can be yours July 24th for a cool $19. Break out that piggy bank and get a-smashin', because it's time to accessorize.
Brando camera holster is cheap, might actually hold your camera
Say what you will about Brando, but you can always count on them to take a good idea and sell a cheaper (if not necessarily better) version of it. The latest example is the discount retailer's Camera Waist Belt Lock, which is basically a $14 version of the $110 Spider Camera Holster that we checked out first hand a few months back. Needless to say, we'd feel a bit more comfortable entrusting a $1,000+ DSLR to the weapon-like Spider, but those willing to take a chance to save a few bucks can grab the Brando alternative right now at the link below.
Spider Camera Holster system lands for retail (video)
You saw our review, now the Spider Camera Holster is priced and ready for purchase. It'll cost you $110 for the privilege of slinging your prosumer or professional DSLR from your hip; a price that fetches the SpiderPro kit that includes a $85 steel Spider Holster, $30 Spider belt, $7 pin, and $25 mounting plate (each sold separately). Of course, you can use the system with any point-and-shoot camera or camcorder sidearm by clipping or threading the Spider Holster onto your own belt. Just remember: the heavier your gear the greater risk of a trouser-dropping test of your humility -- an issue avoided with the Spider Belt. A two-camera system is also available for $160 for those manly enough to tolerate the befuddled taunts of children. Confused? Then check the video after the break for a quick overview.
Spider Camera Holster review: stick 'em up
Whether you're ready for it or not, Shai Eynav just sent us a pre-production sample of his Spider Holster for review. When first announced, we had our doubts as to its usefulness. After all, slinging a chunky DSLR from our belt presents not only ergonomic issues but significantly increases the threat of a high-school styled depantsing if not worn correctly. However, anyone who's ever carried a DSLR for long periods of time to shoot wedding assignments, little league games or say, CES has felt the pain inflicted by traditional DSLR neck and shoulder straps. So how did it perform? Is the Spider Holster the device that will finally free your hands and relieve punishing neck, shoulder, and back strain? Strap in hoss, we've got the answer for you just after the break. %Gallery-75340%
TUAW and Mophie team up for a great giveaway
You remember Mophie's Juice Pack Air, don't you? It's a cool little "backpack" battery for the iPhone 3G and 3GS that adds life to your talking, texting, gaming, video, music, or surfing fun. We gave one away back in June, and it was a very popular giveaway.Now Mophie has added a new product line, the Hip Holster series. These are padded premium leather holsters just the size to hold an iPhone dressed in a Juice Pack or Juice Pack Air. Each Hip Holster is priced at US$29.95, and they're available now through Mophie's website.Mophie and TUAW would like to give away a matched set -- one Juice Pack Air and one Hip Holster -- to one lucky reader. You can enter the drawing by leaving us a single comment below; tell us what will you do with the extra battery power you'll get from the Mophie Juice Pack Air. Here are the rules and a link to the obligatory legal statement: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter leave a comment telling us how you'll use the extra power you get from a Mophie Juice Pack Air. The comment must be left before Friday, October 2, 2009, 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing. Prize: One Mophie Juice Pack Air valued at US$79.95 and one Mophie Hip Holster valued at US$29.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck!
Video: Spider Camera Holster is a bit idiotic, possibly brilliant
We've been known to mule-about vast quantities of gear for hours at a time in order to bring you the latest and greatest in gadgets at a real-time pace. That means several pounds of electronics (laptops, data cards, extra batteries, smartphones, a DSLR with multiple lenses, compact camera, a video camera and all the associated cables and power bricks) slung from our feeble necks and shoulders. So when someone comes along with a claim to offset that load, well, we're going to listen. Enter the Spider Camera Holster; a belt clip with a "spider pin" adapter that screws into the bottom of your cam allowing for a quick attach and release from the belt. A trick that moves the load from your neck to your hip in the process. Whether this is brilliant or idiotic, we're not sure yet. Just try not to stare if you see us standing in a crowd with trou dropped around the ankles -- we might be working... we might not. The Spider camera holster will ship this summer for an undetermined price.[Via CNET]
Case-Mate's Fuel holsters keep extra battery juice on tap
The two unavoidable truths of your phone are that you've got to carry it and you've got to charge it, so why not unite those concepts in blissful matrimony? Case-Mate's new Fuel line of holsters have batteries on board that can keep your phone charged simply by snapping it in place as you would with any other belt-clip holder, so it's a nice value-add without much downside -- and there's a power toggle on the Fuel to prevent it from doing it's thing if you want to save the juice for later. Models are available for the BlackBerry Bold and iPhone 3G currently, providing up to a claimed 7 or 9 extra hours of talk time, respectively. They're $80 a pop, but then again, that's no more than a Mophie Juice Pack Air -- so if you need insane stamina, pick your poison.
The Wii crossbow: for fanatics only
Do you ever feel like your Wii accessories aren't niche enough? Does it seem like fitting your Wiimote into a simple gun-shaped cradle to play Link's Crossbow Training doesn't completely capture the realism you're after? Well you're in luck, because the Wii Laser Sight Crossbow is here! That's right, it's a crossbow meant to lovingly hold your Wiimote, and turn any game into a trip to the Renaissance Fair. C'mon, you've got the Nerf Blaster, lightsaber, and teddy bear add-ons, isn't it time to complete the collection? Available now for the totally odd price of $27.54.[Via technabob]
Camy's Light Sword Wiimote holsters Jedi things up a notch
With all the Wiimote couplings currently making the rounds, we're bound to see a few lightsabers out there. Of course, this is where Camy's Pro Gear Wii Light Swords come into play. The colored plastic Wiimote holders are available in three "ultra bright" colors -- including the red "Dark Knight," which we're almost positive is a copyright infringement. Nevertheless, the swords will cradle your Wiimote lovingly, with ample room for the IR signal to make its way to your console. Should you desire, you can flip a switch and light up the night sky with your fear-inducing -- yet rather stubby -- laser blade. Sure, we've seen similar, but these come in green. The swords are slated for a May / June release, no word on price.[Via IGN]
