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The best touchscreen winter gloves
By Nick Guy, Kaitlyn Wells, and Justin Krajeski This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to touchscreen winter gloves. The best touchscreen gloves are ones that can differentiate between "texting" and "textjngZ." And after testing 20 more pairs this year, we think the newly redesigned Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves are some of the best we've seen of the 80 we've tried overall. They're warm enough, accurate, and can fit a wide range of hand sizes. Although no pair of touchscreen gloves is going to keep your hands perfectly warm or let you type as well as you would with bare fingers, the Moshi Digits were warmer, fit better, and were more accurate in typing tests than the competition. If you want a good pair of touchscreen liner gloves instead, we have a pick for that. If you want a thinner glove for fall weather or prefer the classic look of leather, we also have picks for those. Do keep in mind, though, that ultimately it may be easier to use voice commands and audio messages, rather than trying to type in even the best of these gloves.
'Moshi Monsters' is shutting down because it runs on Flash
Moshi Monsters, a once massively popular web game that let you raise colorful creatures and complete mini-games around Monstro City, is shutting down. As Ryan Brown spotted on Twitter, the Moshi Monsters site now has an "important notice" that states it will close at midday GMT (7am ET/4am PT) on December 13th. "Thank you for joining us on the first part of our monsterific journey and helping us make Moshi Monsters such a splat-tastic online experience," the announcement reads in classic Moshi-lingo fashion.
The best USB-C cables and adapters
By Sarah Witman This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to USB-C cables and adapters. If you have a device with a USB-C port—like a MacBook or Android phone, or 2018 iPad Pro—you're going to need some cables. Unfortunately, when it comes to USB-C, even cables that look identical can perform very differently. Your MacBook's charging cable, for example, has the exact same connectors at each end as a top-speed Thunderbolt 3 cable, but it's different internally; it transfers data at a snail's pace, and it can't send a video signal. To make sure you get the right cable for your needs, we've tested 36 cables and 16 adapters to find the best ones for charging, data transfer, video, and more.
Moshi's IonBank 5K with Lightning Connector: No need to carry cables
With literally hundreds of iPhone/iPad battery packs available, it takes something special to get this reviewer excited. Moshi's IonBank 5K with Lightning Connector (US$88.95) has enough power stored up to give your iPhone 5 a few full charges, and it does it all without you having to lug around a tangle of cables. Let's take a look. Specifications Dimensions: 4.76 x 2.68 x 0.83 inches (12.1 x 6.8 x 2.1 cm) Weight: 7.19 ounces (204 grams) Color: White Cables: Integrated Lightning cable, integrated USB charging cable, plus one open USB port Capacity: 5,000 mAh Design Highlights Although there are the oddball external battery packs that are shaped like cylinders, most of them follow the tried-and-true design meme of "rectangular box with curved corners." That's what the IonBank 5K looks like. It has an anodized aluminum top and bottom, while the rest of the pack is made of white polycarbonate. The big thing that's different about the IonBank 5K is that the two frequently-used cables -- one for charging your iPhone and the other for recharging the IonBank -- are integrated into the case. Slide the top of the case (with the Moshi logo) to one side to reveal the USB charging cable. When the IonBank 5K is fully charged and you want to top off your iPhone, slide the bottom of the case to one side to reveal the Lightning charging cable. There are four white LEDs on one side to provide an indication of how much charge is left, and a single button is used to both reveal the battery level and start charging your iPhone. If you have another non-LIghtning device you wish to charge, there's an open USB port ready to accept a cable. Functional Highlights Although the IonBank 5K is a bit "chunkier" than other 5,000 mAh external battery packs I've tested, the Moshi product's integrated connectors get the thumbs-up from me. The IonBank is MFi-certified, and worked flawlessly recharging a pair of iPhones in our home. The IonBank also comes in a 10,000 mAh version ($109.95) that would be more useful with an iPad. While that version doesn't come with an integrated Lightning cable, it does have a travel case into which you can slip both the battery pack and a separate cable. It also comes with two open USB ports. Conclusion My only concern about the IonBank 5K with Lightning Connector is that it is rather expensive. There are a number of battery packs available on the market with three times the capacity at half the price. But if you're looking for a convenient external battery pack that can solve the usual "where are my cables" quandary, the Moshi IonBank 5K is going to be your best bet. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible
Review and giveaway: Moshi VersaKeyboard for iPad Air
In the seemingly endless parade of iPad keyboard cases, there's one thing that is usually missing -- the ability to separate the keyboard from the case. The new Moshi VersaKeyboard for iPad Air (US$100) not only takes a different method to hold up the iPad, but lets you put the keyboard where it's most comfortable for you. Specifications Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.89 x 0.6 inches ( 24.4 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm ) Weight: 13.4 oz. (380 grams) Materials: Polycarbonate (shell) and microfiber (cover) Expected keyboard battery life: 130 hours of typing Design Highlights When closed, the Moshi VersaKeyboard is quite thin. It adds almost no thickness to the iPad Air, which is refreshing coming from most other keyboard cases that usually add bulk, The VersaKeyboard also provides a stand capability that lets you prop your iPad Air in either portrait or landscape mode, while the competition usually provides only landscape orientation while typing. The VersaKeyboard is a riff on Moshi's origami-like VersaCover, adding a full-function Bluetooth keyboard that is usually out of the way in its own niche on the back of the "case". The cover is quite unique -- fold it back and then match up two tiny powerful magnets in the cover, and it becomes a sturdy stand with three useful orientations. There's a vertical portrait mode, a vertical landscape orientation, and then a "typing" orientation where the iPad Air is at a slight angle for typing on the screen. In any orientation, you can just reach around to the back of the case and pull off the keyboard. There's a single power button that's used for turning the device on and off as well as for pairing. An LED gives you the word on when the keyboard has been turned on. Design-wise, the Moshi VersaKeyboard is one of the most svelte and versatile keyboard cases on the market. Functionality Highlights So, how does this design standout hold up in day-to-day typing? Pretty well. The keyboard not only has a standard layout, but also features a top row of keys that provide access to standard iPad functions. The keyboard has a very good feel and is comfortable for long periods of typing -- like when I used it to write this review. This is definitely one of the better iPad keyboards I've tested. I like the VersaKeyboard's origami stand as well, although I do have one issue with it -- it takes up way too much room on a desk or table. My iPad Air keyboard of choice is the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, which doesn't provide protection for the back of my tablet, but it does allow me to type with the entire setup in my lap. With the VersaKeyboard, the keyboard and the origami cover are separated. The cover/stand is really more for use on a table or desktop -- it's just not all that useful in your lap as it tends to move around. So if you find yourself wanting to take notes or write emails while sitting in a comfy chair, you'd probably better look elsewhere for a more traditional connected iPad Air keyboard case. But if you want the thinnest full-protection keyboard case on the market with a removable keyboard, then look no further than the Moshi VersaKeyboard for iPad Air. Conclusion For use on a desktop or table, the Moshi VersaKeyboard is truly versatile, sturdy, and compact. The keyboard is one of the best we've seen, and the origami-like cover/stand is quite unique. However, this keyboard case isn't sturdy enough to handle use while sitting in your lap. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway One of you lucky readers is going to have a Moshi VersaKeyboard for iPad Air shipped to you. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 19, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Moshi VersaKeyboard for iPad Air valued at $100 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
This iPhone case lets you answer calls while it's closed
Both LG and Samsung have phone cases that let you take calls without exposing your screen to the elements, but what if you have an iPhone? As of today, you can check out Moshi's SenseCover. The iPhone 5 and 5s flip case includes both a preview window as well as a touch strip that lets you answer the phone or silence alarms while the device remains safe. It's not the cheapest design at $45, but it may be worthwhile if you'd rather not risk a shattered display just to start a conversation.
IRL: Moshi's Digits gloves and the Nokia Lumia 620 on Telus
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Spring may have sprung two weeks ago, but believe us, it's still winter somewhere. (Ed note: I'm typing this from underneath an NVIDIA Snuggie -- Dana.) In fact, Darren's had a reason to test out some touchscreen-friendly gloves, even in his southerly state of North Carolina. Up north, our own Jon Fingas has been playing with the Lumia 620 on Canada's Telus network. No complaints from him about the 40-degree temps, though.
CES: Moshi shows off the Ion Bank battery pack, and other new wares for 2013
Moshi is back on the floor of CES this year in Las Vegas, and the accessory manufacturer kindly took a few moments to show us the latest and greatest for 2013. As you might imagine, the biggest innovation in the overall lineup is the Lightning adapter: Moshi's rep told us that the company has been working hard to try and pass all of the certifications necessary for Apple's new cable format, but it hasn't been a quick journey. Nevertheless, Lightning is coming for Moshi, and it's hoping to include that tech in a brand-new power pack, called the Ion Bank. The pack, which should arrive sometime in the second quarter of 2013, is designed to provide up to 10,000 mAh of power to your iOS device, which Moshi says is about four charges on an iPhone, or two and half on the iPad. The Ion Bank uses a lithium-polymer battery, too, so it's a very high quality build, matched with a very stylish exterior of aluminum. The Bank hasn't been officially priced yet, but it should be around US$100, according to Moshi, when it launches this year. Moshi's also offering a new version of its memory card reader, called the Cardette. Version 3 of the reader will feature USB 3.0 capabilities, along with slots of all of the usual memory cards you need to read. The Cardette version 3 should also be available in a month or two, and it'll start out at $49.99. Finally, Moshi told us that the company's Thunderbolt cables are also on the way soon -- like Lightning, the company has taken its time on getting them through all of the necessary certification processes, but they're almost ready. The cables will include the generation 2 chip, which is the latest and greatest from Apple's production lines, and should be available for $49 in six to eight more weeks, we were told. Moshi's been making accessories and cases for quite a while now, and they don't skimp on quality one bit. We'll keep an eye out for these later on this year.
Accessory maker Moshi settles patent suit with three firms
The California-based Mac, iPhone and iPad accessory maker Moshi announced yesterday that the company has settled three suits it brought against other vendors. The other companies were allegedly copying Moshi's patented iVisor touchscreen protector, which is designed to be applied bubble-free. Moshi says it has sold more than 3 million iVisor units in iPhone, iPad and Android-compatible forms. Moshi gained permanent injunctions against PhoneDevil Ltd. and Shenzhen Membrane Precise Electron Ltd. that prevent those two firms from selling products in scope of the patent (US patent 8,044,942, which describes touchscreen protectors with an "air gap" between cover and screen). Both companies are also making financial payments to settle the dispute. This follows an earlier case where Splash Products LLC agreed to pay Moshi a settlement fee and exit the market for these products. We hear constantly about the patent lawsuits at the top level of the technology industry between giant firms such as Samsung, Motorola Mobility, HTC, Kodak and Apple -- but the same cat and mouse game is taking place throughout the tech sector, much as it is across all business areas. If you've got a patent covering a popular product category, chances are sooner or later you'll have a lawsuit.
Moshi releases Clarus headphones at CES
Moshi, makers of a variety of accessories for your Mac and iPhone, have announced a new set of headphones at CES called Clarus. They have two interesting characteristics, one inside the headphones, and one outside. Outside they are a little different than a number of in-ear style headphones in that they have the ear loop to hang over your ear and keep the earpiece in place. They do offer a few sizes of covers for the earbud itself, which is handy, but even better is that you don't have to rely on that to hold them in your ear. Made of a semi-rigid material, the loop is soft to the touch and flexes enough to let you wiggle them around to get the perfect fit. Inside, there is a great big difference: there are two drivers! Generally headphones will have a single driver, and that driver has to be all purpose since there's only one. This tends to mean you have to choose whether you want clear crisp sound in the high end, or a bumping thumping low end. With two drivers, you no longer have to decide which you prefer. I don't know how they managed to fit two drivers into these compact little headphones, but I can tell you how happy I am that they managed to do it. I got to listen to a pair on the floor, and unlike some booths that were using a specific sample or only one variety of sound to show off, I was allowed to plug in my iPhone and play whatever I wanted. First off, putting them on was really easy. That flexibility in the earpiece helped me settle them in, and then I tried samples from four different songs (a mashup, guitar-heavy rock, electronic, and acoustic guitar/piano) and got really impressive results. They were a variety of bitrates, and everything sounded clear and balanced in every sample. It was really nice to get to hear something I was really familiar with so I could tell how it would sound compared to all the other places I listen to the same music. There are other details that are nice, like the braided cover on the cord, the iPhone mic/control capsule on the cable, and the color detail on the earpiece to help put them in the correct ear. Retail price is $200 and they are available now at Moshi's website. More Moshi headphones seen at CES
TUAW TV "Not So Live": Unboxing fest 2011
Welcome back to another episode of TUAW TV "Not So Live." Yes, I'm still out of town, but I was able to put together a festival of unboxing for your viewing pleasure. On today's show, you'll see the beautiful and unique Blackbox Case from Golden, Colorado, the Scosche switchBACK surge g4 (the caps and italics are from the manufacturer) battery case for iPhone 4, the Samson Meteor Mic and a feast of goodies from accessory manufacturer Moshi. You won't need to jump over to Ustream to watch today's show. Instead, just click the read more link at the bottom of this post to see the video in all of its HD glory, or visit YouTube for more viewing options. If you need a chat with the rest of the TUAW TV Live regulars to make it through the week, why not scoot on over to the TUAW TV Live Facebook page and see what's going on. You can also subscribe to the video podcast to watch this and other episodes at your leisure. Many thanks to Uri Kelman for creating the temporary logo for the show!
Xtrememac's dual USB wall charger gets it right, car charger and battery pack ain't bad either
CES is most definitely in full swing, which means the wave of accessories is coming hot and heavy. Xtrememac has just revealed a trifecta of USB chargers, all of which seem to boast subtle changes from the norm that piqued our interest. First off, the universal dual USB wall charger has not one, but two USB charging ports, delivering a full ten watts of power (read: enough for the iPad) to a pair of your favorite gizmos. Moving on, there's the universal USB car charger, which sadly doesn't sport two USB ports. The universal USB battery pack and wall charger looks mighty similar to the PowerPak XT, doubling as a USB wall charger as well as a portable battery pack when it's unplugged. As for pricing? Try $14.99, $24.99 and $59.99 in order of mention, with the whole lot being available now directly from the company.
Xtrememac reveals InCharge Mobile iPhone 4 battery case, in-car USB chargers
Looking for a few peripherals to go along with all of this new gear being unveiled at CES? Have a gander at this. Xtrememac has just rolled out yet another rechargeable battery pack / protective case for Apple's iPhone 4, with this particular monster having a 2300mAh battery, an integrated kickstand and an on / off switch. The InCharge Mobile will go for $79.99, putting it in direct competition from the folks at Mophie. Next up is the InCharge Auto USB, which is a somewhat plain in-car USB charger that saves itself with ten watts of output -- plenty to juice up your iPad as it acts as the Road Trip Jukebox. The InCharge Auto Plus doubles it up with a second USB port, while the InCharge Auto AUX tosses in a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for easy connecting to one's line-in port. Those three will sell for $24.99, $29.99 and $49.99 in order of mention, and the trio should be available to ship right about... now.
Moshi's IVR Alarm Clock accepts voice commands, harbors own primary directives
The Moshi IVR (Interactive Voice Responsive) Alarm Clock is a chatty one. Instead of those perfectly reasonable physical buttons which have been providing us with additional five minute segments of sleep since time immemorial, the Moshi IVR wants to talk you through your morning. To activate a command, just say "Hello Moshi." Moshi will most likely mutter something threatening under its virtual breath, and then ask you "Command Please," to which you can instruct the clock to tell you the time, set the alarm, inform you of the temperature and a bunch of other things. Sounds great, and we doubt Moshi will be able to murder you in your sleep without any life support systems or pod bay doors under its dominion, but we still fear the prospect of attempting to reason with a too-smart-for-its-own-good alarm clock during one of those dreaded "before noon" hours of the day. Moshi IVR is available now for $50.
moshi zephyr MacBook cooler
There are plenty of Mac portable stands and cooling devices out there, but few can rival the moshi zephyr for good looks. This cast aluminum stand incorporates a "high-thermal conduction interface compound" that contacts the bottom of the Mac and draws heat away to the heat sink and an "USB-powered ultra-silent fan (<20db)." The company claims around 10 degrees F of heat reduction on both the MacBook and Air.The moshi zephyr seems to be designed for the MacBook and MacBook Air only and is available in silver or black for $75.[via Engadget]
Moshi's Zefyr MacBook cooler is way hot
If you haven't faced MacBook Air overheating issues, you're clearly in the minority, and regular ol' MacBook users have been faced with plenty burnination of their own. While there are plenty of laptop coolers out there, none have been so specifically designed to address these two perennial overheaters as Moshi's Zefyr. The aluminum heatsink setup has an "ultra-silent" USB-powered fan and is quite minimal, just concentrating on the MacBooks' problem spots up top. Even better for Air users: you won't be monopolizing your lone USB plug to work it. Zefyr is available now for $75 in silver or black.[Via Laptop Logic]
