Cases
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Google Workshop will reportedly wrap your Nexus 5 with custom cases
Let's face it: options for outfitting the Nexus line with covers and cases have been rather limited (and pricey) coming directly from Mountain View. That could be about to change though, as Android Police reports that a new option could offer a major boost in custom accessories. The so-called Google Workshop will allow you to create your own case for the Nexus 5 based on either a location map or an uploaded photo of your choice. A live wallpaper is said to accompany that latter option too, so you can keep a consistent theme for every customizable spot on that handset. Right now, it appears that the fifth Nexus phone is the only device privy to the treatment, so we'll have to wait and see if that popular 7-inch tablet gets its own new digs. Unfortunately, there's no indication as to when the Workshop will go live inside Google Play or how much the cases will cost.
Open your beer with your iPhone? There's a case for that
There are worse ways to crack open a cold brew. I probably wouldn't use one of these cases myself, but if that's your thing, it's good to know it's available. We've covered some of these brewski-crackers before: Opena Case and a Mophie iPod case that sadly isn't sold anymore. #drinkresponsibly [Photo credit: Julie Blaustein]
Samsonite buys Speck for $85 million
It must be acquisitions week. Longtime luggage manufacturer Samsonite has acquired Speck for a cool US$85 mil. Speck makes protective cases for a variety of portable devices, including iPhone, iPad, MacBook and several Android devices. Samsonite Americas president Tom Korbas explained the move: "The acquisition offers Samsonite the opportunity to participate in the large and growing smartphone-case market, which in the U.S. alone is estimated to be worth $2.3 billion, as well as in the tablet-case market, where Speck is also a leader." It seems like a complimentary acquisition for a company that's been protecting travelers' belongings for years. Good luck to all involved.
Speck DuraFolio iPad cases: Slim, tough and adjustable
iPad folios and cases seem to always pick two of the three off of the feature menu of slim, tough, or adjustable. Case pioneer Speck is now shipping their new DuraFolio iPad cases for iPad Air and iPad mini (with or without Retina display), and it appears that they've managed to check all three boxes with the new products. Specifications Price (iPad Air): US$69.95 Dimensions (iPad Air): 9.6" x 6.9" x 0.6" (24.5 x 17.6 x 1.5 cm) Weight (iPad Air): 10.4 ounces (294.8 grams) Available Colors (iPad Air): Black/Poppy Red, Deep Sea/Mykonos/Slate, Black/Slate, Fuchsia/White, Slate/Peacock Price (iPad mini): US$59.95 Dimensions (iPad mini): 8.1" x 5.6" x 0.6" (20.5 x 14.2 x 1.5 cm) Weight (iPad mini): 6.5 ounces (184.27 grams) Available Colors (iPad mini): Black/Poppy Red, Deep Sea/Mykonos/Slate, Black/Slate, Fuchsia/White, Slate/Peacock Available at speckproducts.com and Target Design Highlights The first thing you notice is just how thin the DuraFolio cases are, adding only .3" of depth to your iPad Air or mini. That's a bit different from many protective folios that seem to be quite bulky and thick. But don't let the lack of bulk scare you away from the DuraFolio, as it meets or exceeds MIL-STD_810G standards. In addition, the DuraFolio passed temperature cycle thermal shock tests, ASTM3389 abrasion testing, chemical resistance tests, and force exerted tests. The mechanical design of the case provides a good basis for a one-year warranty. The cover can be set up to prop the iPad display at a number of different angles including a typing mode. There are magnets in the front and rear cover panels to enable auto sleep/wake and also insure a tight magnetic closure of the case. The outside of the case has a diamond pattern to it, making it easy to grip. There are open ports for the microphones, Lightning port, orientation lock, headphones and camera, while the on/off switch and volume toggles are covered by pass-through switch covers. Speck also built protective speaker grills into the bottom of the cases. While the DuraFolios aren't exactly the most beautiful-looking cases I've ever seen, they are very functional and some of the color combinations are actually quite striking. Functionality Highlights Putting the case onto an iPad Air or iPad mini is fast and easy. The tablet just snaps into a molded polycarbonate shell in seconds. If you need to take it off for any reason, the shell is just flexible enough to let you bend it a little and pop out one corner to start the removal process. The stand that's built into the case is quite adjustable; there are a number of positions in the "video viewing" landscape mode, as well as a way to fold the cover back under the stand to put it into a sturdy typing mode. The inside of the cover is lined with a felt-like material, perfect for protecting the iPad display. Unlike some folios I've tested, the DuraFolios both shut off the display when the cover was shut and turned the device back on when opened. It's apparent that Speck got that design detail right, when others who have promised magnetic on/off haven't been able to get it working well. Conclusion While Speck's DuraFolio iPad cases are rather pedestrian in design, they make up for that in terms of being thin and sturdy. Add a fairly reasonable price point to the mix, and you've got an above average line of cases that should last as long as your iPad Air or iPad mini. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Now's the time to protect that new iPad Air or iPad mini! We have one of each size Speck DuraFolio to give away to readers. 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 7 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Speck DuraFolio for iPad Air valued at $69.95, while the other will receive a Speck DuraFolio for iPad mini (and mini with Retina display) valued at $59.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Oh the places you'll go with the SnowLizard SLXtreme 5 case
Since I work in a rather mundane office setting, I love slim, tiny iPhone cases that protect against scratches and not much else. But if I'm on a camping trip or spending the day at the beach or on a hike, a practically non-existent level of protection doesn't really cut it anymore. The SLXtreme 5 case from SnowLizard was made for those trips, and for people who require an almost obnoxious amount of armor on their iPhones. Specs Height: 151 mm Width: 70.5 mm Depth: 24.8 mm Weight: 150g Price: US$149.99 Design The SLXtreme 5 is top-of-the-line protection, so a bulky form factor is the trade-off. At almost 25 mm thick, it more than triples the thickness of the iPhone 5/5s, not to mention increasing the weight by over 100%. But you're not getting this kind of a case so that it can easily slip into a handbag or slide in the back pocket of your jeans -- you're getting it so you can drop it on a rock and not worry if it's coming back in one piece. The case is not only made for protection, but also provides an external battery backup that can be charged via USB or from the built-in solar panel situated on the back of the shell. The battery can store a charge of 2,550 mAh which, in theory, can recharge your iPhone 1.5 times, though in practice it's slightly less than that. The iPhone slides in from the top of the case and a large clasp buckles down to ensure a waterproof seal. A locking door on the bottom of the case provides access to the charging port, while a second plug reveals the audio jack. The case allows full use of the home button -- though sadly no TouchID functionality is provided -- as well as access to the volume controls and lock button. A lanyard is provided along with the case, which can be connected to the loop on the bottom, just in case your iPhone has a tendency to fall off of mountains or something. Functionality As an extended battery case, the SLXtreme 5 works splendidly, and the solar charge is a neat addition. Because the solar panel is relatively small, it doesn't provide enough power to make it a viable option when recharging your device when there is a USB port handy. In an emergency situation it would be an absolute life-saver, and having the ability to suck a few minutes of juice from the sun is a fantastic feature, but it's more of a safety net than a daily-use feature. The case itself feels extremely solid and it can certainly take a reasonable fall without issue. All of the locking doors feel sturdy there's really nothing about the case that I would change from a protection standpoint. And then there's the waterproofing... The shell is rated as being water resistant up to 2m (6 ft), which is enough that you could take it to the beach and not worry about rolling waves. The retail box even suggests taking underwater photos with the case equipped, which is a really cool option, though the icy lakes here in southern Wisconsin wouldn't let me test this out first-hand. I did, however, fill my sink with water, close my eyes, and throw my iPhone into it, and it emerged unscathed. Cases like this can sometimes hinder use of the device itself, but I was pleasantly surprised with how easily I was able to accomplish just about every iPhone task I'm used to. The one sticking point I have is that it's nigh impossible to do the bottom-up swipe on the touchscreen that activates the control center in iOS. The thickness of the case makes it extremely difficult to pull this gesture off, which is a bit of a letdown, as I tend to use the control center quite often. Conclusion SnowLizard has produced the cream of the crop for iPhone users seeking a high level of protection. The SLXtreme 5 is durable, well-made, and the added battery and solar charging features make it the ultimate multi-purpose accessory. The minor functionality limitations hold it back from being absolutely perfect, but it's very close. Rating: 3.5 stars out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway If you're prone to dropping your iPhone off cliffs or in the toilet, then you want to enter this giveaway for an SLXtreme 5 case. 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 13 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before March 25, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an SLXtreme 5 case for iPhone 5/5s valued at $149.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The DODOcase Durables sleeve is the ultimate anti-case
When it comes to cases for the iPad mini, there are plenty of fantastic options. Unfortunately, not everyone feels like covering their device with a semi-permanent shell, especially since since Apple's tablets are so appealing when nude. Enter the Durables sleeve by DODOcase, which protects your device whenever you're not using it, but lets you show off its bare skin any time you want. Specs Materials: Canvas (exterior), cotton twill (interior), genuine leather (accent) Price: US$59.95 Overview The Durables sleeve is pretty simple in construction, with soft twill inside, a waxed canvas covering on the exterior, and layer of felt sandwiched between the two to provide a bit of added padding. There is a leather accent patch as well which makes for a handy grip -- not that the tablet you're hauling is particularly heavy, but it's a nice touch. As far as sleeves go, this one provides a snug fit. In fact, it's snug enough that an iPad with a case equipped is not likely to fit. That's kind of the point here, though, and the sleeve itself is protective enough that your standard drops and falls should be absorbed without issue. Note: DODOcase notes on its website that the full-sized iPad with Smart Cover can indeed fit inside the Durables sleeve without issue, though I was only able to test the smaller iPad mini sleeve with the thicker Smart Case, which did not fit. DODOcase calls these sleeves Durables for a reason, and the overall build and material quality is second to none. I can't imagine an instance in which one of these sleeves would come apart, even after years of use, and the canvas exterior is thick and firm, so wearing it out isn't going to be a simple affair. Conclusion The DODOcase Durables sleeve is the perfect answer for iPad users who just can't commit to a snap-on case. It provides a high level of protection against all elements, and is ideal for transporting your tablet between home and work, or any of your daily errands. Rating: 4 out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway Your iPad needs a bit of protection, so follow the giveaway rules: 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 February 24, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a DODOcase Durables sleeve for the iPad mini, valued at US$59. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The Incipio Atlas ID is super protective, but it hates your thumb and it's not crazy about you, either
I should start out by saying that I've always really liked Incipio's iPhone cases. Of all the cases I've used since the iPhone 3G -- and there have been dozens -- Incipio's accessories are one of the few brands that have never fallen apart on me. Incipio also holds the honor of making the only case I've ever used for an entire iPhone generation (the Incipio NGP case for the iPhone 4). So, when I got the chance to take the Incipio Atlas ID, the bar was already set pretty high. Unfortunately, a variety of design choices have left me feeling just OK about the case, rather than impressed. Specifications Dimensions: 5.4" x 2.66" X .0.52" (137.16 x 67.56 x 15.75mm) Weight: 2.06 oz Case Material: Polycarbonate w/ rubber wrap-around Design The Atlas line are called "ultra-rugged" cases and are advertised as being waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. To its credit, the case is indeed all of these things, and after securing it to my iPhone 5s, it did give the phone a feeling of indestructibility. I wasn't too punishing on the case, and tested about a 4-foot fall onto a thin carpeted surface, which it took with zero issue. I also drenched the phone in the sink (this had me sweating a bit), but it survived just fine. From a protection standpoint, it's definitely tops. Functionality However, protection isn't everything when it comes to a smartphone, and the device still needs to be 100 percent usable for a case to really be worth it. The first thing that left me a bit miffed was the ultra-spotty Touch ID accuracy when the case was in place. There is a thin membrane that covers the Touch ID sensor to help the case keep its waterproof promise, but this greatly hampered its ability to read my fingerprint. Without the case, my 5s gets my print correct about 95 percent of the time. With the case in place, that dropped by at least half. It often took two or three readings to unlock my phone, which made quick access quite difficult. There's also a second problem with the Touch ID membrane: It blocks part of the screen. In the marketing materials, you can't see it (because it's been edited out, I guess?) but as you can see in the photo above, the black shroud around the screen has a bump by the home button that obscures a bit of the screen. This doesn't necessarily hamper your use of the phone, but it's surprisingly distracting when playing games on the device. My last issue is with the touchscreen protector itself: It's just not responsive enough to use on a daily basis. With the case in place, the touchscreen doesn't read all of your touch commands. In fact, I found it downright frustrating to browse the web with the case on because it negated my swiping and most of my taps. A hard, firm press is often needed to register the desired response. Bummer. Conclusion Incipio's ultra-protective new case is indeed a savior for your phone in harsh environments. If I was headed for a day on the beach or a hike in the snow, I'd use it without question, but once I was within the comfort of my living room, it would need to be immediately removed. If you're looking for a case to occasionally equip like a suit of armor when needed, the Atlas ID is a great pick, but it's nowhere near ideal for daily use. Rating: 2.5 stars out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway If you're planning a trip to Mordor, you might find the Atlas ID case quite useful, so follow the giveaway rules: 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 January 16, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an Incipio Atlas ID case valued at US$89. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The 12 Days of iMas, Day 7: This iPhone case will crack you up
Today is the seventh day of a 12-day feature where we'll show you the strangest Apple-flavored gifts we can find. Check out the previous days here: Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Day 7: A beautifully busted iPhone to cover your (hopefully) not-busted iPhone A busted iPhone is always a great conversation starter: "What happened?" "Did you drop it?" "Are you getting a new one?" "Why are you so clumsy?" This cracked iPhone case from Etsy merchant ShopZeroGravity lets you (or someone on your holiday shopping list) benefit from being one of those cool kids that dropped their iPhone without actually having to deal with the monetary repercussions. The "cracked" back is actually just a photo-realistic graphic, and its pleasant rainbow hues are definitely eye-catching. We weep for the person that had to actually bust their pricey Apple smartphone in order to render the image for the case, but we can benefit from their clumsiness for the much less wallet-busting price of US$24.50.
You'd have to be at least a little bit crazy to use this Batman 'Tumbler' iPhone case
I love the new Batman trilogy, and judging by the fact that the last film in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight saga raked in more than a billion dollars, I'm clearly not alone. However, there's no way anyone in their right mind would be enamored with the Caped Crusader to the point that they'd slap this Batmobile case on their iPhone... at least I hope not. Modeled after the "Tumbler" version of the Batmobile from the Dark Knight series, the case is being sold by Bandai. As you can see from the product images, the ridiculous accessory increases the overall bulk of the phone by a huge degree, and from a protection standpoint, I imagine it actually does make the device rather bulletproof (so to speak). As if the size and detail of the case weren't enough to put it solely in the category of novelty, it even features a built-in four-LED projector that displays the Bat-Signal. According to Bandai's website, the Tumbler won't be available unit March of next year, so if you were planning on buying it as a gag gift, it'll just have to wait.
The 12 Days of iMas, Day 3: An iPhone case that could get you arrested
Today is the third day of a 12-day feature where we'll show you the strangest Apple-flavored gifts we can find. Check out the previous days here: Day 1, Day 2 Day 3: The iPhone "Knucklecase" Want to be absolutely, undoubtedly, 100 percent sure your iPhone doesn't make it through airport security? Slap one of these bad boys on it. This is the iPhone "Knucklecase," and unlike the US$5 plastic versions, this one is machined out of a solid piece of aluminum, meaning that it could probably dent someone's skull if wielded with a reasonable amount of force. The company that makes this brutal accessory adds some fun language to their terms of sale, stating that the case is strictly for the protection and transportation of the iPhone and is in no way sold as anything else. Yeah, OK. Of course, the fine print won't matter much if you find yourself getting searched by law enforcement in a country or US state where knuckle weapons are prohibited. At the least, they'll likely be confiscated, but depending on the situation you may end up taking a nice trip downtown, and all for the low price of $120.
Looking for a gift? TUAW reviews three iPad Air cases
Can you believe there are only two weeks left before Christmas? If you haven't finished your shopping, there's still time to get some great gifts for the iPad Air owners in your life. In this review, we take a look at four different iPad Air cases that might be perfect for someone on your list -- and you'll have a chance to win one of the cases we're reviewing. OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad Air Many people equate OtterBox with smartphone cases, but ignore the fact that the company builds some amazingly tough iPad cases as well. The OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad Air (US$89.95) upholds the reputation of the company's rugged cases, using two layers -- hard interior polycarbonate and exterior silicone -- to keep your baby safe from accidents. Literally topping it off is a clear screen protector to keep your touchscreen clean and scratch-free, even in the worst conditions. It's not waterproof or even water-resistant, but if you or the gift recipient use the iPad Air in some tough places, you'll be glad you got this case. That's not all -- there's a snap on polycarbonate cover that goes over the display. When you pull it off, it can be attached to the back of the case to provide a multi-angle stand for the device. There are small silicone anti-slide bumpers on the bottom of that cover and the back of the case as well, to make sure that your iPad Air stays in one place. I found the case to be a little difficult to install and remove, but chances are that once you've installed the Defender Series case onto the iPad Air you're not going to want to take it off. On the negative side, it also adds quite a bit of bulk and thickness to your very thin iPad Air, so if you're in love with the thinness of the Air, you might want to look elsewhere for a case. If, on the other hand, you're more worried about the safety of your iPad, you've come to the right place. Saddleback Leather iPad Air Case While the Otterbox Defender uses tough manufactured materials to keep your iPad Air from destruction, you or your gift recipient might prefer something more natural like the feel, look and scent of real leather. Saddleback Leather makes a wonderful iPad Air case ($111.00) completely out of leather -- there is no other material (except for the stitching) used to construct the case. This is a brand-new product, so at the time of publication the case was not yet listed on the Saddleback Leather website. The image above is of the iPad 2/3/4 case, which is similar to the iPad Air case. Two leather buckles fold over onto the cover to keep the iPad Air in place when you're in motion, and it's held into one side with a stitched leather bezel. The leather is thick and stiff enough to protect your iPad Air, but thin enough not to make the case overly thick and heavy. As with any item made with leather, the finish and look of each case is unique. The Saddleback Leather case will also age nicely with time, and it has a 100-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship if you want to keep it for a long, long time. This is definitely a classy case that would be a highly-prized gift. Pad & Quill Contega Case for iPad Air And speaking of classy cases, Pad & Quill has released an iPad Air-specific version of their beautiful and functional Contega Case ($99.99). We've covered Pad & Quill's products enough in the past for just about everyone who reads TUAW to know how well-crafted and well -- beautiful -- they are. The Contega comes in a choice of two exterior leather cover colors -- black or chocolate -- and with an interior cloth lining in deep sea blue, forest green, onyx black, praline tan, or slate gray. Holding the iPad Air into place is a handcrafted Baltic Birch frame that can "tilt" into one of two positions should use wish to use the Contega as a stand. Holding it all closed while in transit is a matching elastic band, so it looks just like a really nice Moleskine. This case just oozes style, and you'd have one happy gift recipient on your hands if you gave them a Contega. Giveaway Now you have a chance to win one of these three cases for yourself or to give away as a gift. 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 11:59 PM December 14, 2013 Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected. One will receive an OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad Air valued at $89.95, one will receive a Saddleback Leather Case for iPad Air valued at $111.00, and one will receive a Pad & Quill Contega Case for iPad Air valued at $99.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Fine, you can have a physical keyboard on your iPhone
Remember back when all the iPhone naysayers cried "Fail!" because the device lacked a physical keyboard? They were wrong, but the Typo Keyboard Case is a glimpse at what those sad souls apparently wanted. Adding a full qwerty keyboard to the bottom of the phone, the Typo connects via Bluetooth, features backlit keys and can be recharged within one hour. The device is currently available for pre-order, so we haven't gotten a chance to go hands-on with one, but from a design perspective, the Typo seems like a mixed bag. If you're curious about where the Home Button went -- which was my first concern upon seeing the keyboard placement -- it has been relocated to the bottom-right of the keyboard itself, which means no more Touch ID functionality. Bummer. Still, if you've been searching for physical keys on your iPhone for the past five years, US$99 will make that dream come true, starting in January 2014.
6 cases that will make you want to eat your iPhone
I don't normally need any more reason to think about food during the day other than it exists. But these six iPhone cases look so tempting that I might be tempted to try a taste. This is in no way an endorsement of their protective qualities -- they could fall apart instantly for all I know -- but when it comes to being visually appealing, these accessories are downright scrumptious. 1. Sure, when it comes to ice cream sandwiches you may be more tempted to think of an Android device, but there's no denying that Apple's smartphone is the perfect shape for a case like this. With a high-resolution chocolate cookie image and a white plastic border, it's almost too good. 2. There's nothing like a bento box for lunch. This one might be a little small -- those rolls look even smaller than what could be considered "bite-sized" -- but if you're a fan of sushi, it's a top contender. 3. With a dozen faux M&M candies secured to the back of your phone, you'll need to constantly remind yourself that they're made of plastic rather than milk chocolate. I'm not sure how comfortable this particular case would be when in your pocket, but if you're considering a case like this, you're probably going for eye-catching looks over comfort. 4. With strawberries, chocolate candies and ice cream constructed out of plastic in extreme detail, this is the most impressive case on the list, but it's also the one most likely to be totally destroyed if you happen to drop your phone. It might not be practical, but it's definitely a conversation starter. 5. Bacon ... on your iPhone. Ok, so it's not real bacon, it's a urethane resin, but it's shaped and painted to make it look as close to real-life tasty pork strips as possible. Just don't let your dog mistake it for a chew toy. 6. Ok, you caught me; this one is a bit of a joke. Featuring some disgusting salisbury "steak," a helping of plastic peas, some gritty potatoes and apple cobbler that is one degree away from melting though the aluminum tray, this is what convenience is all about.
Case Maker Pro will let you turn your photos into iPhone cases in 2014
If you're unhappy with the selection of iPhone cases at your local mall kiosk, maybe you'd prefer to grab a magazine or a personal photo and turn it into a one-of-a-kind accessory. That's the idea behind Case Maker Pro, a gadget that slices any photo to perfectly fit an iPhone 5 or 5s. Using the included clear plastic case and a piece of lamination film, the image gets some protection and security while being strapped to the back of your device. Case Maker Pro currently has an Indiegogo campaign, but it's a flexible funding effort, so if you pay the $49.00US for the unit, you'll receive it regardless of whether or not the campaign actually reaches its goal. According to its creators, the current prices will double once the Maker hits retail, so if you just have to turn magazine covers into iPhone cases, it might be worth jumping in early. For those of you who really can't wait, consider a similar product that's already on the market and has overcome some early issues: the frām case reviewed by TUAW in early 2013.
LifeProof launches first Touch ID-compatible waterproof case for iPhone 5s
One particularly cruel internet prank tricked some (hopefully few) iPhone owners into thinking that iOS 7 somehow made their devices waterproof. That's ridiculous of course, but today LifeProof is launching a case for the iPhone 5s that actually does make the device impervious to water. The case is part of the "nuud" line from LifeProof, and it provides protection from water up to a depth of 6.6ft. There is no shortage of waterproof cases for the iPhone 5 (or 5s, given that its dimensions are the same), but LifeProof's new protector is the first that is fully compatible with Touch ID, allowing fingerprint sensing through the waterproof layer. But for premium protection, you'll be paying a premium price: The iPhone 5s nuud case will set you back a cool US$89.99.
Papernomad, the iPad covers you customize
I don't typically write about cases for the iPad and iPhone, but the Papernomad deserves special attention. These cushioned sleeves are wrapped in a patented paper that you're free to decorate with your own drawings, sketches, notes, writing... whatever. Don't be put off but the word "paper." The outer layer is a special recipe that's tear-resistant, dries cleanly after getting wet and has less environmental impact than cotton products. I love the combination of high-tech and low-tech here. There are sleeves for the iPhone, iPad mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro as well. Prices start around US$48.
Belkin brandishes iPad Air keyboard cases and accessories
You'll likely need a new keyboard case to go with that iPad Air, and Belkin's just revealed some of the very first options. The Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case leads the brand's parade of new accessories, and sports a black or silver aluminum body and an impressive 264 hours of active battery life for $130. If shelling out that cash after buying an iPad Air is hard to swallow, cast your eyes upon the Qode ThinType Keyboard Case. Spending $30 less ($100) nets you just 79 hours of active use, but still preserves an aluminum build. Meanwhile, if you'd rather get something less business-like and more whimsical, the $80 Qode Slim Style keyboard case (in black, red, topaz, purple and delicious-sounding sorbet) is likely more your style. These three, along with Belkin's stands and keyboardless cases for Apple's newest slate, will be available starting November. For now, a closer look at each of them awaits in the videos after the break.
Flipcase makes a game out of Apple's new iPhone cases
Some people love Apple's playful new iPhone case, while others experience trypophobia at the sight of it. Meanwhile, a pair of developers decided to look at it from a whole new angle: backwards. The devs at Bytesize noticed that if you put the new iPhone case on the wrong way -- that is, covering the screen with the small holes -- it resembles the old game Connect Four. So they decided to quickly code Flipcase, a free app which allows you to turn your iPhone and its case into a digital version of the classic tabletop game. Flipcase is simple. Just tap one of the empty holes to fill it with a color. Your friend taps another hole to fill it with a different color. Whoever connects four of the same colors first (all the colors match the colors of the new iPhone 5c's by the way) wins the game. It's a clever idea that's sure to be fun for a few minutes. Just be careful about putting that case on the wrong way time after time.
LG Vu 3 teased with semi-transparent QuickView case, expected to launch in October
LG's oddly shaped Optimus Vu II is slated for an update next month, according to Korean site ETNews. The 4:3 large-format device, dubbed simply Vu 3 (LG has dropped the Optimus branding from flagship devices), has also appeared on an LG microsite, which serves to both confirm the handset's existence and tease a pair of semi-transparent QuickView cases. The phone covers, available in black or gray, appear to feature a see-through design, enabling some pretty spiffy animated notifications. As for the phone itself, you can expect a Snapdragon 800 chipset, a 13-megapixel rear camera and LTE-Advanced support. It's slated to hit KT Telecom, SK Telecom and LG U+ in Korea in the coming months.
Apple's iPhone 5c cases are protective and obnoxiously colorful
Apple doesn't usually produce cases for its smartphones, but the iPhone 5c isn't like any iPhone before it. At today's Apple event, the iPhone 5c was shown alongside a new line of custom protective cases that will allow you to mix and match a wide range of looks for the device. The new cases feature cutouts for the phone's camera lens and flash, as well as the lock button, while the volume buttons are integrated into the case design. Each case will be sold for US$29.
