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Razer's Power Bank keeps your laptop running
External battery packs are a dime a dozen, but you might want to pay attention to this one. Razer has unveiled the Power Bank, a 12,800mAh external battery designed primarily for laptops. It's clearly intended as a companion for Razer's own portables, and can extend the life of a Blade Stealth to as long as 15 hours. That's more than a little helpful if you're stuck traveling all day. However, its reliance on USB-C makes it compatible with any laptop that can charge using the newer connector. Yes, you could keep a MacBook running on this brick if you don't mind the style mismatch.
Microsoft unveils an ergonomic keyboard for Surface fans (updated)
Surface computers (plus the Surface Dial) aren't all that's new at Microsoft's fall event. The company has quietly unveiled various Surface accessories, headlined by a Surface Ergonomic Keyboard. The wireless input device is effectively a cross between the earlier Designer Bluetooth Desktop and an ergonomic keyboard -- you get a more comfortable typing feel with quiet, low-profile keys. There's even a double-cushioned Alcantara palm rest (the same material you saw in the Signature Type Cover) that promises to be gentler on your hands even as it spruces up your desk environment. A pair of AAA batteries will power it for a full year.
Olloclip's new lenses attach quickly to your iPhone 7
Now that there are new iPhones with revised cameras, many smartphone photographers are going to want new Olloclip lenses. Thankfully, they've arrived... and Olloclip didn't just tweak the connectors and call it a day. Its new Core, Active and Macro Pro lens sets not only have improved optics ("premium multi-element coated glass," Olloclip says), but an improved interchangeable lens system. Called Connect, it separates the frame on your phone from the lens housings. This lets them quickly attach to and align with your iPhone's camera, even if you have a screen protector. You should spend less time swapping lenses and more time shooting, in other words.
Of course EE's hyping wireless headphones on iPhone 7 day
EE's Add to Plan scheme lets anyone taking out a two-year smartphone contract walk away with accessories in exchange for a couple of extra quid tacked onto their bill each month. Launched last year, EE today announced a slight change to the T&Cs. Instead of the cost being spread over 18 months and customers paying a premium for the convenience, they'll now square it away in 11 and pay out no more than the retail price. A wider product range will soon be offered, too, including wearables from Fitbit (from £8 per month), smartwatches and Samsung's Gear VR headset (also £8 per month).
Logitech's new mouse works with three computers at once
If you've ever used more than one computer at once, you know that juggling extra mice can be kind of annoying. Logitech thinks it doesn't have to be: the company has just announced a new mouse designed specifically for folks who use more than one computer at a time. Okay, maybe that's a small segment of the population -- but for the right person, the M720 Triathlon could be a godsend.
Accessory giant Incipio buys headphone maker Skullcandy
You probably don't see Incipio as more than the company who made your phone case or external battery pack. However, it's quietly becoming something of an accessory powerhouse: it owns brands like Braven and Incase. And now, it's getting even bigger. Incipio is paying $177 million to acquire Skullcandy, best known for its ostentatious (if not usually top-rated) headphones. The move not only gives it a dedicated headphone brand, but dips its toes into the waters of gaming gear thanks to Skullcandy's Astro Gaming badge.
PS VR Aim Controller promises 1:1 precision for virtual shooters
The PlayStation VR headset might not be the only new PS4 accessory you're grabbing this fall, as Sony unveiled this add-on for use with the game Farpoint. The PS VR Aim Controller picks up where the PlayStation Move shooting attachment and Sharp Shooter left off a few years ago, promising direct 1:1 tracking -- wherever you point the controller, your in-game gun points the same way. Farpoint is a PS VR exclusive and developer Impulse Gear is already claiming it enables "things in Farpoint that just are not possible in a standard FPS game." We'll hopefully have a chance to judge that on the E3 show floor this week, but first you can check out a trailer below.
LG G5's VR headset, 360 camera and other accessories hit the US
When LG announced its modular G5 phone last month, it also revealed a line of "Friends" companion devices to go along with it (See what it did there?). Included in the lineup are the 360 VR headset, 360 Cam, the Harman Kardon-powered Tone Platinum audio headset and the Cam Plus camera grip. While the phone itself is already available in the US, these gadgets that the company intends for you to use with the handset were not until now.
Otterbox's new case lets you use accessories without removing it
Ah yes, phone cases. A necessary purchase if you're accident prone or tend to drop your handset on the regular. Unfortunately, adding that accessory usually makes for a headaches whenever you try to use another mobile add-on like a thermal camera or lens clip. Typically, you would have to remove your protective case before you could use any of those other gadgets. Well, Otterbox is looking to rid you of that frustration with the new Universe system and it's swappable "accessory modules."
All Razer peripherals and accessories are half off Thursday
Fresh off its win in both Best of CES: PC and People's Choice categories for the forthcoming Stealth, Razer announced on Wednesday that it is holding a CES 2016 Fan Appreciation Event. The event, which runs for 24 hours, will see both peripherals and accessories at the RazerStore discounted by 50 percent. It begins at 6pm Pacific (9pm Eastern) on Thursday January 14th in the US before going live in Europe and Asia on Friday, but there is one slight catch. Customers will need a Razer ID to access the deals and will only get one item at the discounted price. Head over to Razer Insider for the full set of rules, regulations and restrictions.
Wacom's new stylus gives Windows 2-in-1s Surface-like input
Chances are that if you've picked up a stylus to use with your slate or hyrbid device, Wacom was responsible for the tech. At CES, the company announced its Bamboo Smart stylus for Windows hybrid gadgets. If you prefer a device that offers the comforts of a full laptop keyboard and the perks of a tablet, this new Wacom accessory will handle the pen-like input. What's more, it gives you a similar feel to that of Microsoft's Surface line for $40, rather than having to splurge for a whole new machine. The Bamboo Smart set to go on sale next month.
Logitech's iPad Pro keyboard case is relatively affordable
Apple's iPad Pro is pricey even before you add in the $169 official keyboard case, but Logitech may have a way to make the whole package a little more palatable. It's now shipping its promised Create Keyboard Case for the gigantic tablet, and the add-on will sell for a slightly more frugal $150. It only works at two angles, but you'll get perks like backlit keys, automatic pairing (thanks to the Smart Connector) and a raft of iOS shortcuts. And if you don't want to turn your iPad into a makeshift laptop, there's an $80 Create Protective case that ditches the keyboard in return for a more flexible stand. Either shell is available in black, blue or red, so you're not stuck with somber colors on your giant slate.
Microsoft has a docking station for your Surface Pro tablet
Microsoft isn't just unveiling a phone dock today -- it has a dock for your computers, too. The tech giant's new docking station gives the Surface Pro 3, Pro 4 and Surface Book the kind of connectivity you'd expect from a desktop. There are two 4K-capable DisplayPort outputs, four USB 3.0 ports and an Ethernet jack for your wired internet link. Microsoft's Surface Dock is available for pre-order now (with an expected release date of October 26th) at $200, which should be inexpensive enough that you can forget about buying a second PC. Get all the news from today's Microsoft event right here.
Apple Watch gets more band options for larger wrists
If you've been eying the Apple Watch, but needed a larger band to wear it comfortably, you're in luck. Cupertino added new accessories today to accommodate with a new L/XL Sports Band and Link Bracelet Kit that adds an extra 40mm to the 42mm metal bands. That Sports Band comes in either black or white and will fit nicely around wrists that measure 195-245mm. Before now, the largest option (M/L) measured 160-210mm. Both the larger Sports Band and the extra links will set you back $49 from the Apple Store, and as 9to5Mac points out, the standalone Modern Buckle Bands are also available for purchase for $249.
Samsung's launches a keyboard cover for its newest phones
Those rumors that Samsung would launch an oddball keyboard add-on? They're true. The Korean tech firm has unveiled a Keyboard Cover for the Galaxy Note 5 that, as the name suggests, gives you both a case and a hardware keyboard for those times when you need to punch out long messages. It'll retail for $80 when it launches in a few weeks, and will also be available for the Galaxy S6 Edge+, as well as the smaller S6 and S6 Edge. The case consists of two parts: A rear panel and the front keyboard, which can be snapped onto the back of the phone when you don't need it. Once attached, the screen adapts to the keyboard, and there are conventional navigation buttons to replace the capacitive ones you've lost. We can't imagine too many Note 5 owners picking this up (part of the point is that big screen), but it could hit the spot if you're jonesing for a BlackBerry-like experience on an Android phone.
Custom $3,100 Apple Watch celebrates famed Russian leaders
If Lenin weren't so pickled, he'd be rolling over in his display case at the sight of Caviar's limited-edition luxury Apple Watch Epoca. The company has unveiled three unique designs for the new Epoca line. Each costs about $3,100 and celebrates one of three famed Russian leaders: Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Lenin and Peter the Great. The watches come replete with either leather or Milanese link bracelets, as well as engravings of Lenin's mausoleum or Putin's signature. Heck, you can even get the old Soviet logo on the crown -- because if anything represents the failures of Russian Communism, it's a custom-designed Apple Watch sporting the Hammer and Sickle that costs ten times more than its base model.
Adonit's Jot Touch and Jot Script 2 make a strong case for the stylus
I've never been a big fan of the stylus. Sure, I don't really have a choice when I'm using Wacom's Cintiq pen displays, but other than that, I don't care much for styli. Adonit has a pair of them -- the Jot Touch and Jot Script 2 -- and they promise a more pen-like feel, so now seemed like as good a time as any to give the stylus another shot. Alas, though, after spending a few weeks getting to know these two gadgets, I can confidently say that I'm not ready to give up the ol' pen and paper just yet.
Apple Stores to carry third-party accessories in custom boxes
Apple is well-known for being very particular about its packaging... and it apparently cares about other companies' packaging, too. According to 9to5Mac, the tech giant is telling retail staff that it will soon sell third-party accessories in boxes co-designed by Apple... and possibly only in those boxes. Yes, that familiar minimalist look would soon spread to just about everything in the store. The move would ostensibly help you find what you're looking for and make sure that it works with your devices. Many of the familiar brands in Apple stores are reportedly on board with the idea, including Incase, Mophie and Logitech.
At last, the Raspberry Pi mini PC has an official case
There's no question that the Raspberry Pi is successful among the homebrew computing crowd. However, it's not what you'd call consumer-friendly -- the bare circuit board you normally get is clearly intended for tinkerers who plan to put the mini PC inside their own projects. Mercifully, you won't have to devise a shell for it (or run it exposed) for much longer. Raspberry Pi has released an official case that gives a home to either the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B or the original's Model B+. It's a fairly unassuming piece of plastic, but it'll both protect your gear and give you access to both the primary ports and the GPIO port often used for DIY creations. More importantly, this add-on costs just £6 ($9). At that price, it's a no-brainer if you're treating the Raspberry Pi as a tiny desktop, an ad blocker or some other kind of self-contained machine.
The first products that support Apple's HomeKit have arrived
A year after Apple first announced it, you can finally buy products based on HomeKit. Lutron and Insteon have products available now, while others like Elgato, Ecobee and iHome are bringing accessories soon. That means you'll be be able to build a HomeKit system with programmable lights, plugs, energy and climate sensors, thermostats and more. Apple introduced HomeKit standard to allow such devices to play nicely together, and of course, let you control everything via your iPhone, iPad or Watch. The idea was to also bring voice control to home automation via Siri.
