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Musubo's Diamond, Chamfer iPhone 5 cases: review and giveaway
Musubo is a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of smartphone accessories, and the company recently released a flurry of iPhone 5 cases to meet the demand for protection of Apple's flagship phone. Today I'll take a look at the Musubo Diamond (US$32.99) and Chamfer (US$24.99) cases, and then TUAW readers have a chance to win one of three Musubo iPhone 5 cases we're giving away. Design I'll start off with the least exciting of the Musubo cases, the Chamfer. The name describes the design perfectly -- it features a wide chamfered edge around the back side of the case. Made out of tough polycarbonate material with a soft-touch feel, the Chamfer comes in red, blue, green, pink ,purple, silver and black colors. The company includes some goodies with every case, so the Chamfer has not only a screen protector in the box, but a small foldable video stand and a screen cleaning microfiber cloth as well. Not bad for a $25 iPhone 5 case! Moving on to the flashier Diamond case seen at the top of this post, we find a design that is sure to attract the fashionista in your family. A soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shell gently cradles the sides of the iPhone 5, while a hard and glossy diamond-patterned back protects the back of your phone. That transparent diamond design really stands out as different, and has a very three-dimensional look to it that transforms this relatively inexpensive iPhone 5 case into something special. The Diamond is available in black, purple, red and blue. Functionality Both Musubo cases do a fine job of protecting the iPhone 5 sides and back, and the included screen protector helps to keep your screen scratch-free. I found the little foldable video stand to be quite useful and a welcome addition to the Musubo cases. The TPU shell on the Diamond case makes installation a snap, as the material flexes enough to facilitate squeezing the iPhone 5 into place. However, I found the polycarbonate construction of the Chamfer a little stiff, really requiring a good push to put the iPhone 5 into the case. Conclusion Musubo has proven to "think outside the box" when it comes to case designs, as you can see from this 2012 TUAW review of the totally unique MatchBook Pro and several other iPhone 4/4S cases. With the Diamond and Chamfer, the company continues its mission of supplying stylish and inexpensive protective cases for Apple's latest smartphones. Pros Relatively inexpensive for "style" cases Diamond's design is quite novel and fun Cases ship with free foldable video stand, cleaning cloth, and screen protector Cons Chamfer case was a little difficult to install and remove due to the stiffness of the material it is made from Who are they for? Anyone who wants an fashionable iPhone 5 case without spending a lot of money Giveaway We have three Musubo cases to give away -- two of the Diamond cases (black or purple) and one of the silver Chamfer cases. 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 14, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected. One will receive a Chamfer case valued at $24.99 while two will receive a Diamond case valued at $32.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Otterbox iPhone 4 / 4S Defender case with iON Intelligence launching April 18th for $130 (video)
It was at CES that we were first introduced to Otterbox's Defender case with iON Intelligence, which promises to keep phones alive in two ways: by shielding them from physical abuse, and by serving up extra juice whenever they're thirsty. Otterbox has now told us the new case is nearly ready to bounce off hit the streets, and will be launching on April 18th for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The case combines the familiar hard shell, rubbery sleeve and screen protector for laughing off falls, with a 1,450mAh battery -- that's a sliver bigger than the 4 / 4S built-ins -- to effectively double capacity. LEDs on the case let you know how much extra juice is left, and the companion iON Intelligence app automatically redirects power when it's needed, and monitors usage to predict how long 'til your next charge. The iPhone 4 / 4S model will be available from Otterbox's online den for $129.95, and others are in the works for "other top iOS and Android devices." Check out the promo videos below for a full product walkthrough.
AOptix Stratus lets iPhone users check ID through eyes, faces, fingers and voices
The many attempts at weaving biometric identification into mobile devices have usually focused on only one aspect at a time, whether it's fingerprints or voices, and often for access to just the device itself. AOptix isn't quite so narrowly focused. Its new Stratus system combines an app with a custom iPhone 4 / 4S case (the Stratus MX) to verify faces, irises, fingerprints and voices for grander purposes, whether it's office workers checking in or entire national ID programs. The bundle should be more portable than most such alternatives, as well as more intuitive through its familiar interface. Odds are that you won't be buying a Stratus kit to scan friends and family at home, though. Apart from the bundle's lack of support for the iPhone 5 or any non-iOS platform, the Stratus software in the App Store isn't an impulse purchase at $199 -- and an emphasis on quotation-based case sales likely means you'll be the scanner's target, not its owner.
ThermoShield protects your phone in unbearable heat and bone-rattling cold
Rugged phone cases are bountiful. But, while they may offer some additional thermal protection, they're not built for true extremes. For that, you'd need either piles of insulation (too bulky) or some way to control the temperature inside the case. ThermoShield, one of over a dozen student-run companies vying for attention at Northeastern University's Husky Startup Challenge, went the latter route by slipping a Peltier element inside a slim plastic shell. The current prototype was built on a 3D printer and clearly created for an iPhone, but plans for the initial model should be simple enough to port to any handset. A standard watch battery powers the small plate and by controlling the voltage across it you generate either small amounts of heat or produce a slight cooling effect. A simple switch or slider would be used to manually control the flow of electrons. Trekking through the arctic tundra? Simply crank up the heat to keep your phone from freezing to death. Meandering through the Sahara? Take advantage of the Peltier's thermoelectric cooling properties to keep the Gorilla Glass from melting. According to one of the creators, Hannah Bialic, it wouldn't be terribly difficult to add automatic temperature control. Though, development costs could significantly drive up the price of the ThermoShield. The hardware could all be baked directly into the case itself or an app could be created that would automate everything. Obviously, though, relying on software would limit the case to working with a single device (and let's be realistic, it won't be your beloved Nexus 4). There's no telling when or if you'll actually be able to pick up one of these variable temperature shells, but you can add your name to the mailing list at the more coverage link.
Review: iKit NuCharge, two-in-one battery pack and cover for iPhone 5
iKit, a London based accessories manufacturer for Apple products, has announced the NuCharge, an interchangeable, battery pack and protective cover for iPhone 5. iKit says the NuCharge is the world's first iPhone 5 interchangeable battery and case cover, and it's currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds, promote and sell the NuCharge, starting at US$59 with first deliveries expected in April. Design The NuCharge promises to double your iPhone's battery life while protecting your iPhone. It comes in three parts: the case or shell, the battery and the back cover, which comes in a variety of colors as well as leather. You place your iPhone into the case, which has connection grooves on the outer back, and either connect the external battery or the protective back cover. The idea is you interchange the battery or the back cover depending on your needs. The case itself is a lightly shaded plastic housing or shell for the iPhone. All controls, ports, the speakers and the camera are left exposed for easy reach and use. The display is not covered either. The iPhone fits snugly inside the case -- it doesn't rattle around and it won't easily fall out. In fact, it takes quite a bit of prying to get the iPhone out of the case. The attachable back cover is a sheet of plastic, which has tiny teeth to lock into the case. Attaching the cover is easy. It fits and locks into the case's grooves as you slide it down the back. To take it off, push and slide the cover upwards. The case cover never came loose on its own in my time with it. %Gallery-184021% The battery pack comes on and off in the same way. It has a built-in lighting connector that you pull out of the bottom of the pack and plug into the iPhone. There are blue LEDs on the bottom right to tell you how much charge is left. To charge the battery, plug in a USB cable and connect the other end to a computer or a powered USB port. The battery pack is a charcoal color, and it's not very bulky or weighty considering its 1900 mHa charge capacity. A nice little extra is a kick-stand that comes out of the back of the battery pack, letting you rest your iPhone upright in portrait mode. Functionality The case and cover offer a moderate level of protection in day-to-day use. The iPhone's sides and back are covered, but the front top and bottom edges of the phone are still exposed. So not all of your phone is protected from scuffs and scratches. Additionally, because the case and cover are two separate parts which are made of plastic, if you dropped your phone, there's little to no shock-absorption. All in all, the NuCharge as a case offers some protection from scuffs and scratches, but I wouldn't trust it with more. On the plus side, the ports and controls of the iPhone are left open. You don't have to fiddle with the case to plug in your headphones or a lightning connector. Although the back panel and case as a whole look nice enough, I struggled with the rest of the aesthetics of the case. For example, the case and back panel attach securely, but there's a small gap left between the two. The finish of the front top and bottom of the case present some raw edges where the case ends. And the overall feel of the case is quite plasticky and cheap. As I mentioned above, attaching the battery pack is a simple process: slide off the back cover and slide on the battery pack. Of course, the battery pack is bulkier than the cover, but that's expected with any battery pack. Although, this is one of the lighter and slimmer ones I've seen. To get power from the battery, pull out the built-in lightning connector and plug it into the iPhone. Unfortunately, when you do this the lightning connector cable sticks out quite a bit. Placing the phone in my pocket became a bit awkward, and I was worried the connection would come loose with an unintentional pull or tug or if I placed the phone in my bag. iKit says the NuCharge will increase your iPhone's life by 100% and I have no reason to disagree with that. Unfortunately, after a few days of testing I couldn't get the NuCharge to charge my phone. I assume it must be a fault in the model I received. But during the time it was working, everything worked as it should and battery performance was good, though I couldn't complete my tests. The kickstand is a nice little extra feature that is flush with the battery, but when extended, offers a practical addition to the case. Conclusion The NuCharge is a great battery life extender, which offers solid battery performance on top of your iPhone's built-in battery. However, I found the interchangeable protective cover, for when you're not using the battery pack, to be more of an afterthought, rather than offering any real protection. Furthermore, when using the battery pack, the protruding lightning connector is very impractical. Pros Solid battery pack offering 1900 mHa Access to all ports, buttons and the camera Slim and fairly light weight for a battery pack Kickstand Cons Minimal protection offered Poor case quality Protruding lightning connector when charging battery Interchangeability of battery and case is gimmicky Who's it for? iPhone 5 owners demanding the most power from a battery pack, but are not too concerned with the form or function it comes in. For alternative battery packs for your iPhone 5, you might want to check out the Mophie Juice Pack Helium or the Mophie Juice Pack Air, which we found to perform the task of battery pack and protective case extremely well.
Innovative frām iPhone case makes customization a sn-app
At Macworld/iWorld 2013, I ran into Tavis Schriefer, the president of a Texas design company called Ideative. Schriefer only had a few minutes to chat, but he demoed a customizable iPhone case that was stunningly simple in design and execution. The frām case (US $34.95) makes personalizing your iPhone case with just about any photo or artwork a quick 90-second process. The frām case, which is currently only available for iPhone 4/4S, uses a clear polycarbonate back to protect an image or photo that is cut to the shape of that back. In fact, the back is easily popped out of the case and becomes a template to mark a photo for trimming and placing into the case. You can literally use any photo; it doesn't matter if it's something you printed out, an old family photo or something in a magazine. Just place the template / back onto the image, move it around until you like what you see, and then use a pencil or pen to mark your cut lines. Use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut out the image, pop it into the clear frame and push your iPhone back into the case. Voilà! You have a personalized case. You don't even need to cut along the lines very cleanly -- the case design uses a slight bezel to cover any imperfections. %Gallery-183273% Should you decide that you want to print your own iPhone photos on photo paper to create your masterpiece, well, there's an app for that. With the free myFrām app you can snap a picture or grab one from your camera roll, resize it, frame your subject just right and then print out a perfectly-sized image to trim and put into the back of your case. Maybe your picture needs a little something to make it look nicer prior to showing up in your case? No problem -- with a tap of a star icon your image goes into a full-fledged photo editor powered by Aviary. Photos can be enhanced, effects added or you can even add text to an image. I ran into one little issue with printing my own images: when printing onto 4 x 6 photo paper, the images always came out larger than they should have been. I do not have an AirPrint-compatible printer, so I use eCamm's Printopia app to turn my Mac into an "AirPrint Server." That apparently causes a slight size issue when printing to a non-AirPrint printer, and Schriefer notes that they're working on an update to help resolve this issue for Printopia users. I also tried emailing the image to my Mac using the myFrām app and then printing the image, but that workaround didn't work for me. Regardless of the soon-to-be-fixed printing issue, the frām case is still a lot of fun to use. If you're one of those people who wants a new iPhone case every time you turn around, perhaps you can save some money by purchasing a frām and changing out your case image several times a day.
Belkin's Thunderstorm case cranks your iPad to 11
In my office I tend to rock out to a 300-watt stereo system. When I go to wash dishes and have to use my iPad's native speaker, well, there's no comparison. Belkin's Thunderstorm case won't crank up to the level of a really large stereo, but it is loud enough to punch through very noisy environments with ease. At CES I tried one on the show floor where the sound level (according to my iPhone) was close to 100 decibels and the Thunderstorm was not only loud enough to hear, the audio actually sounded good. It's not perfect, however, as I'll explain below. It also retails for US$199, so this is not a budget case or speaker. Design Like any iPad case that surrounds the iPad, the Thunderstorm cradles your iPad in a large plastic shell and provides a cover somewhat like Apple's Smart Cover -- but with no magnetic actuation of the iPad itself, like the Smart Cover. The iPad slides into the case, and is secured by a 30-pin dock connection which clicks into place, and provides the power and audio output needed. Of course you simply can't get around physics, so the drivers for the Thunderbolt are heavy. The case is heavy. Your iPad inside will make all of this very heavy, but this is not a case for casual use if you tend to mostly read iBooks on your iPad. This case is designed to stand up and be loud. There's a shockingly small speaker port on the front, along with a small light under the grill to indicate when the charger (included) is plugged in. The case uses ports to enhance the sound, much as a full size speaker would, and they work very well. I had a little trouble with the charger at first, until I realized there's just a delay from when you plug it in to when the iPad begins to charge. Still, it is a wall wart and not the most convenient AC adapter to carry around. I wouldn't say it charges slowly, but it is not a fast charge by any means. A bigger problem in the cover flap. It's one of those origami-style flaps that pinches together to provide a "stand" for viewing the iPad mostly upright. You can roll up the case like Apple's cover, which provides a more upright angle, or fold the case into a bit of a triangle, putting the iPad at almost 45 degrees. That viewing angle is a bit odd, as I felt it leaned back a little far, and you cannot adjust it, but there's the other option, which I felt isn't as stable. The good news is the flap, when folded as a support, is very sturdy and I never really had it fall down. The bad news is it is loosely secured at the hinge, and if you're used to the relatively strong magnets on the Smart Cover, you will find these magnets aren't as strong. Often while closing the flap I would yank the cover off -- and I'm a wimp. There are pass-through (mechanical) buttons for power, rotation and volume, plus a large hole for headphones and even a speaker vent at the bottom where the iPad's speaker resides. Functionality It's loud. Really loud. Without exception, when I would demonstrate the volume on this thing their eyebrows would raise and they would say "wow." You won't believe so much sound can come from a small package -- unless you've used a Bose Smartwave, which is similar in a way. Loudness is the distinguishing feature here, however. This is not a protective case, and it's not designed to do much more than cradle your iPad and make it much louder. Luckily it does that job admirably. It's worth noting that audio quality does not suffer at the hands of volume, and even at the highest setting the highs were crystal clear while the bass punched through loud environments admirably. There's also a companion app which does boring stuff like handle registration and check firmware, but it also allows you to control the stereo separation. That's a neat trick, but unless you have the device pointed at your face, you lose the spread pretty quickly. Sound, again, is bound by the laws of physics. Conclusion If you need a very loud speaker for the iPad but don't want something huge like a dock or external stereo, and you want this speaker embedded in a case, the Thunderstorm is perfect. Belkin's Thunderstorm is the loudest iPad case I've ever heard, and the audio quality doesn't suffer as you crank up the volume. The price, at $199, may turn off some customers, but if you compare to large boombox docks (like JBL's OnStage) it's pretty reasonable. I feel that you're getting your money's worth if you frequently need your iPad to be heard in loud environments or you just want ear-blasting noise from your tablet.
The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is the most comfortable one you'll ever own
Years ago I wrote about a small company named ColcaSac that had just started selling cases and sleeves for Apple's MacBooks and iPads. I was impressed with the products, and I'm happy to say the company has kept updating its offerings and the quality is as good as ever. ColcaSac has a number of new sleeve for MacBooks, Kindles and iPads, but it's the newest product I've fallen in love with: The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag. It's not inexpensive, but it's delightfully comfortable and light. ColcaSac prides itself on blending classic styles with minimalist design, while at the same time using materials that are eco-conscious. The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is made of a burlap exterior with a hemp lining. Inside, the bag's lining is made of a soft fleece. The look of the bag is the most startling thing. It seems as if it was designed from leftover coffee sacks. I think it's a brilliant design, but I'm the kind of guy who likes my cases and bags a bit different. Underneath the Velcro flap you'll find a zippered exterior compartment that can comfortably hold a paper notebook, journal and an iPad mini. Inside the bag are two open free-hanging pockets on one side and a slightly larger zippered pocket on the other. The zippered pocket is handy for wallets, pens, earphones and power adapters. Most importantly for a shoulder bag that houses expensive electronics, the shoulder strap is thick, strong and long enough to leave a lot of room for adjustment. The bag isn't going to have a problem hanging on to you. The shoulder bag doesn't have a specific slot inside for a MacBook. It's wide and open and can actually probably fit two MacBook Pros in a thin sleeve easily. My 15-inch MacBook Pro in a sleeve fit inside along with my iPad, and two large books. Overall I love the bag's look and feel. It's something I'll take with me the next time I go traveling. It's also the most comfortable bag I've ever owned. The burlap is soft and not scratchy. It's also flexible enough that the bag curves around you if you don't have much in it. The bag is also incredibly light, making it that much more comfortable. The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is US$149 and can be purchased directly from ColcaSac.
Review and giveaway: MapiCases' Soli is a luxurious home for your iPad mini
I've taken a look at a number of really nice iPad mini cases, and the US$120 MapiCases' Soli falls into the luxury end of the spectrum. However, you're not spending your money on looks alone. This is geninuely a very nice case. The Soli comes in four colors of glossy European leather: black, brown, red and tan. It functions the same as a number of other good iPad mini cases, folding into two stand positions that will handle typing in landscape mode or watching videos. The magnets in the front cover will wake the iPad mini from sleep when you open it, and the lining protects the screen. MapiCases says each case is made by hand, and the craftsmanship shows. I spent a week with the Soli and was pretty pleased. My one quibble is that the latch sticks straight up when the case is folded back so you can watch a video, as you can see in the photo above. I wish it was flexible enough to fold back and stick to the cover like my Belkin case does. I was a bit dubious about the case in typing mode, thinking the iPad mini would rock as I use it. It did, but only slightly. There's a number of great cases with similar features for $70-80 less, but if you really need to make a statement or appreciate having a luxury iPad mini case, you can't go wrong with the Soli. It'll look great in a fashion boutique, the boardroom or your local coffee shop. Giveaway We have a very nice red MapiCases Soli that would love to find a new home! 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 March 9, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a MapiCase Soli for iPad mini valued at $120. Click here for official rules. Loading...
Logitech Ultrathin is a good, but cramped, keyboard for the iPad mini
One of the things I never thought I would miss when I made the switch to an iPad mini is my keyboard case. I loved using my Jot Writer 2 Plus with my iPad 2, and the friend who subsequently inherited that iPad also loves the case. I never thought I would need or want a keyboard to go with the iPad mini. But, there are a growing number of keyboard cases for the iPad mini. Steve Sande took a look at the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini, but found it a bit frustrating to use because of certain key placements and the stand. I'm taking a look at the $79.95 Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for iPad mini, and if I was to recommend any keyboard case for an iPad mini, this one would be it -- even though it has its own quirks. Design If you're familiar with the larger Ultrathin Keyboard Case for the iPad, then the mini version doesn't add anything new. This is a svelte case, thinner than the non-keyboard cover I'd been using on my iPad mini and weighs around 7.33 ounces. Like Apple's Smart Cover, it attaches to the front of your iPad by magnets and activates the iPad's sleep/wake function by opening and closing the lid. The resulting sandwich of iPad and case is still thin. I keep the mini tucked in the back pocket of my normal purse (a Rickshaw Bags mini commuter messenger) with the case on with no issues. If you want to use your iPad without the keyboard, you'll need to detach it. Just make sure not to lose it, and turn the keyboard off so you're not wasting the power. It comes in two models: all black and white/aluminum. There is a deep, notched groove that will let your iPad mini stand in landscape or portrait mode. A power button, Bluetooth-pairing button and micro USB charging port are on the upper-right of the keyboard. It does a good job at protecting the front of your iPad, but I found that the aluminum got dirty quickly when I was using it on different tables. The nature of the keyboard case means the back of your iPad mini will be unprotected, so you might want to take a look at a skin to use with it if you want to avoid scratches. Functionality When it comes to scaling keyboards down for the iPad, and especially the iPad mini, there are some sacrifices that have to be made. A lot of keyboard makers cram multiple functions onto a single key, forcing you to stop and stare at the keyboard for a moment to figure out what combination you need to hit to do a quotation mark. Logitech tries to make those changes minimal on the iPad mini, despite the much smaller working area. Instead of pairing some of the punctuation marks with other keys, it placed chiclet keys the size of a normal function key on an Apple keyboard. This enabled more of a normal keyboard layout. The caps lock and tab keys are subfunctions of the A and Q keys. Number keys will activate iPad shortcuts when used along with the function key. The nicest shortcuts are the ability to activate Siri and the ability to toggle among world keyboards you have installed. However, the Siri key is a bit redundant, since holding down the Home hotkey does the same thing. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Case overlaying my 13-inch MacBook Air's keyboard When it comes down to it, whether or not you'll like this case depends on how much you tolerate the tiny keyboard. When he reviewed the Griffin keyboard case, Steve Sande was OK with its smaller keyboard, other than the punctuation keys. I was chatting with Macworld's Lex Friedman about his experience on Twitter, and he found that the keyboard could be detrimental to touch typists. His writing speed on the Logitech keyboard dropped from 110 words-per-minute to roughly 30. The cramped keys hampered former TUAW staffer David Chartier as well. I'm not a touch typist, but I'm not entirely a hunt-and-peck person either. When I started using the Ultrathin, I had a hard time getting used to it, and I have little hands. It got better after a couple of hours of heavy use, and after three days I was typing at normal speed and not making many errors. The biggest problem I have typing with the tiny punctuation keys. But, I vastly prefer them over the alternative of hunting down specific punctuation under a function shortcut. The other issue I had with the case is the placement of the groove. The groove holds your iPad pretty securely, and I've carried my iPad mini across the room in it without no issues. However, the angle is a little steeper than I'd like, and you can't adjust it like with the Belkin case. I had to sit cross-legged to use the iPad mini and case comfortably in my lap, and I wonder what the experience will be like on an airplane when you can't compensate for the person on front of you leaning their seat back. Conclusion I wrote this review in Drafts on the iPad mini using the Ultrathin, and once I got comfortable with the keyboard, the experience was mostly pleasant. It's made me reconsider my stance on having a keyboard with the mini, and I can see it being a good companion when I want to do some writing away from home and not carry my laptop with me. But, if you have large hands or you're a touch typist, this keyboard might not be for you. If you have the chance to test the Ultrathin before purchase, I recommend you do so. Pros Thin and light, the stand supports the iPad mini in portrait or landscape mode and can be used on a table or in your lap. You can access most keyboard punctuation without having to use the function key. The iPad shortcuts, such as Siri and world keyboard switching, are useful. Cons Because of the tiny keys, you might not enjoy typing on a keyboard designed for an iPad mini. The stand might be a bit steeper than some people would like. Who's it for iPad mini users who want to use the iPad as a portable writing machine or want a good keyboard.
LG outs Quick Cover case for the Optimus G Pro
LG's just pulled back the curtains on Quick Cover: a magnet-infused case for the Optimus G Pro. Thanks to a Smart Cover-like design, the jacket turns the smartphone's screen on when its front flap is lifted, and off when it's shut. The sleeves come in black, blue, lime green, pink and white hues reminiscent of Samsung's own flip covers, and are accompanied by a reflective cube pattern option that comes in shades of black and white. By the sound of LG's press release, wireless charging and NFC capabilities should go unhindered when hardware is dressed up with a Quick Cover. South Korean online stores and brick-and-mortar shops will soon have the solid colors available for 43,000 won ($40), while the patterned variety will ring up at 39,000 won ($36). There's no word of a release in other territories just yet, so you'll have to sit tight if the accessories strike your fancy.
GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories
PlayJam has initiated pre-orders for its ultra-portable GameStick Android console over on its official website. The main $79.00 bundle includes the dongle-like console itself, as well as the controller it's stored inside of when not plugged into a television's HDMI port. The GameStick's wireless charging dock/port hub and protective case are both up for pre-order as well, priced at $24.99 and $9.99, respectively.Delivery is expected to begin once an initial run of devices have been shipped to Kickstarter supporters, which is scheduled to take place during April. Currently, the website lists April 30 as the "available on" date for all three items.
BioShock Infinite pre-orders in EU, AU, NZ can get Steelbook case
GameStop, EB Games and Micromania locations in Europe, Australia, and New Zeland will have a special, exclusive preorder item for the upcoming Bioshock Infinite. Players who pre-order the game at the specified retail chains in those regions will be rewarded with a special "Fink Manufacturing SteelBook case," emblazoned with the Fink Manufacturing logo.In America, GameStop already offers the "Industrial Revolution" pack with a preorder, as well as a special in-game weapon. But it looks like the SteelBook case is just for GameStop International customers. Bioshock Infinite is due on March 26.
Belkin signs licensing deal with Lego, encourages you to brick your phone
Yes, it's already possible to snag a "Lego" iPhone case, but only if you throw some cash Smallworks' way. If you've been waiting for one that bears Olé Kirk Christiansen's official branding, then you don't have much longer to wait. Belkin has signed a licensing deal with the toymaker that will allow it to produce a range of Lego-themed iOS device cases, offering a "buildable" experience -- whatever that means. Wake us up when they release a Mindstorms version, please.
Quirky's Crossover: finally, a truly unique iPhone 5 case
As you're probably aware, TUAW does a lot of reviews of iPhone cases. To be honest with you, most of the cases don't really catch my attention anymore. But this morning I got an email from crowdsource design firm Quirky about the Crossover (US$34.99), and it's so completely different that I had to write it up. Rather than the typical "stick the iPhone 5 into the case" approach, designer Richard Moreen had the idea of using a couple of big stretchy silicone bands that cross over (hence the name) the back of the iPhone. Want to turn the Crossover into a wallet case? Stuff your ID and some credit cards under the bands and you're done. The cool thing is that you can customize your case by selecting the color (there are 12 in all) for each band when ordering. For example, Colorado Rockies fans like me could select Wisteria Purple and Charcoal Gray for a nice tribute to our favorite baseball team... According to Quirky spokesperson Jaime Yandolino, today's the official release for Crossover, so you can order your custom "case" today.
Olloclip shows off upcoming case at Macworld/iWorld 2013
Olloclip's self-named clip-on lens (US$69.99) for iPhone was one of the early success stories of Kickstarter, and now the Huntington Beach, Calif., company is expanding into other related products for advanced iPhoneography. I spoke with Olloclip CEO Patrick O'Neill at Macworld/iWorld 2013 about the company's existing lineup and future plans, and found that they're thriving. During most of the show, there was a line of people buying the Olloclip lens kits for the iPhone 4/4S or iPhone 5. They're certainly popular with the TUAW team, most of whom snapped up Olloclips for their iPhones and were using the wide-angle and fisheye lenses during the conference and expo. One of the most fascinating things at Olloclip's Macworld booth was a product that's not out yet -- a polycarbonate case that works perfectly with the Olloclip lenses and provides more than just protection. There's a rotating cover (image above) to protect the camera on your iPhone that also adds a nice "shutter button" to make snapping photos with the volume up button a piece of cake. In addition, there's a removable clip-on piece (image below) that offers a tripod mount on one side and a "cold shoe" for mounting other accessories on the other end. We don't know the name of the upcoming case or the price, nor do we have an expected delivery date. But if you're one of those people who incessantly uses an Olloclip to snap macro or fisheye images, the case will give you a way to keep your phone scratch-free and replace the need for a Glif or other tool to attach it to a tripod.
Logitech reveals iPad mini keyboard cover
Logitech has revealed a slim, new keyboard case for the iPad mini. Similar to its full-sized sibling, Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, the new Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard mini perfectly accommodates Apple's smaller device. The Bluetooth keyboard maintains a standard layout and key size, despite its compact arrangement. Plus, it doubles as a cover and viewing stand for your iPad mini. I have the full-sized Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for my iPad and love it. The Ultrathin Keyboard mini is available for pre-order at US$79.
Kröme case for iPhone promises interchangeable add-ons
Danville, Calif.-based Kröme has a unique angle on the growing trend of iPhone cases that feature storage for things like credit cards, keys and cash (such as the iLid we recently checked out). For its signature product, the company is planning a range of interchangeable "cartridges" that add functionality beyond the included storage space meant for items that normally reside in your wallet. The US$38.95 case is available in black, white, red or pink for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5. Its rubberized polycarbonate shell has a recess that accommodates the included flip-open cartridge -- either the CargoCase (holds up to 12 business cards or five credit cards) or CompactCase (five business cards or two credit cards). Both configurations cost the same, and both feature a scratch-resistant mirror that can be used as a compact. The compartment's door also acts as a horizontal and vertical kickstand when opened. Like we said, though, the most unique aspect of the Kröme case is its ability to be expanded with other feature packs. The in-development options include the SolarCase (solar charging panel), MeterCase (blood glucose and other sensors), MemoryCase (flash memory drive), BatteryCase (extended battery), LaserCase (laser pointer and LED light) and ToolCase (multi-tool). Right now, the accessories only exist in prototype form and Kröme isn't talking about planned release dates or pricing for any of them, so the case's true potential remains very much "to be determined." For now, it's going to have to rely on the flip-open design and built-in mirror to distinguish it from the pack.
Audojo kick-starts iPad gaming case, we go hands-on (video)
While many of us love playing games on the iPad, we often lament the lack of physical controls inherent to the platform. Audojo is hoping to change this with an iPad gaming case which is launching today on Kickstarter. The accessory works with any iPad 2 or newer, and features a pair of analog joysticks, two shoulder buttons and stereo speakers. Unlike other mobile game controllers like iFrogz's Caliber Advantage or PowerA's Moga / Moga Pro, Audojo skips Bluetooth for a low-latency microphone-based interface. The case slides open just enough to accommodate an iPad and, once closed, wraps around both ends of the tablet without interfering with any of the cameras, buttons, or the 30-pin / Lightning port. Audojo automatically connects to the iPad via the standard 3.5mm audio jack, which is replicated at the bottom of the case next to a power switch, LED and mini-USB connector (for charging). It's important to note that the accessory is not designed to charge the iPad, something that would require a larger battery and increase complexity / cost. We spent some time with a prototype iPad gaming case and came away pretty satisfied -- head past the break for our impressions.
iLid is an iPhone case and a wallet that works
After having about all the cases I could take at CES, I stumbled upon the iLid booth with a weary eye. I vaguely remembered a Kickstarter campaign a while back, and the case -- which is also a wallet -- was for the 4- and 4S-sized iPhone. It seemed like a cute idea, but these things are often better in theory than in practice. However, at CES I got a sample of the iPhone 5 version and since then I've been trying it out. It's great, especially if you like to keep a small wallet or have less stuff in your pockets. iLid is a plastic case which puts a small chamber on the back of the iPhone. This chamber snaps tight, sealing a couple of cards, a small (flat) key and possibly a couple of bills inside. I typically carry just an ID and my bank card, so the possibility of a couple of bucks floating around isn't that big a deal to me. There's a clip on the inside lid to secure bills, but I put my bank card there. My ID clips neatly into the other side. Yes, the iLid makes your iPhone thicker. I found that wasn't a big deal. I do love the thinness of the iPhone 5, but having all my stuff in one place is worth the bulk. The iLid plastic is very durable, and it has resisted scuffing and scratches. It's also very light, so "bulk" in this case is more about added size, which I'm not minding either as the iPhone feels a bit more like the phones I grew up with -- bulkier things that were pretty comfortable to hold in one hand. If you want a wallet and a case, the iLid is pretty great. It's also less than US$40, which is a good deal for a case to begin with. I feel like the iPhone 5, with its sleek profile and greater length, makes the iLid case really worth it.
