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FIFA 14 sports Gareth Bale on UK cover
Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale shares the UK cover of FIFA 14 with boxart-everpresent Lionel Messi, essentially notching the most lucrative UK soccer accolade behind the Players' Association and Football Writers' gongs, which he greedily gobbled up last season. The news could be big for other reasons; with Bale a widely speculated transfer target of Euro-giants Real Madrid, his cover appearance in a Spurs shirt might suggest he's staying at Tottenham for a while longer. Or it could just be a big old platform for embarrassment when he does make the move. We'll know either way when the latest FIFA reaches North America on September 24, and Europe on September 27, hitting the net-backs of Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. For a lookie at the full UK cover, head on past the break.
Nokia patent application outs Surface-esque 'apparatus cover with keyboard'
Apparently Nokia's interested in Microsoft's tablet cover slash keyboard market, filing a patent application today with the US Patent and Trade Organization for an "apparatus cover with keyboard." The description is what gives us that distinctly Surface feeling, which calls the "apparatus" a "cover" with two sections, one of which "has a keyboard thereon." Said cover is "pivotally connected" to a "display" (read: tablet device). The concept is a bit different visually -- at least in drawings, as seen above -- than where your brain may be going. It seems to be more of a stand device than just a cover, and it apparently includes a stylus as well. Of course, all of this is still very much in concept-ville, as it's just a patent application and not even the granting thereof. So keep your salt shakers nearby and all that -- this could end up never materializing.
Google bestows the Nexus 10 with covers, available now for $29.99
Sure, you may own the highest res Android tablet on the block, but is your Nexus 10 really all that special when it's as naked as everyone else's? Problem, meet solution: the Nexus 10 cover from Google. The $29.99 add-on hit the Play Store this fine day, which stands as the first official accessory for the larger of Google's two tablets. The matte finish cover is available in dark grey and scarlet, which clips onto the slate without adding much bulk. As another nice touch, you can also wake and sleep the Nexus 10 simply by opening and closing its cover, which seems quite smart, if you ask us. Naturally, the Gorilla Glass 2 display of the Nexus 10 is plenty beefy already, but if you want that added layer of protection, you'll now find it for purchase in Google Play.
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.
Watch Dogs box art has its hands full
Aiden, the main character of Ubisoft's Watch Dogs, looks a bit preoccupied on the game's cover. Is he contemplating what to order for dinner on his fancy cell phone? Why is he holding a gun? He's not planning on paying for his meal, is he?The game's box art is leaving us guessing, which is why we have higher-res versions to investigate in the gallery below, found on the official Watch Dogs North American and UK Facebook pages. The game is confirmed for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC and Wii U, and is expected to launch sometime in 2013. %Gallery-179606%
Nokia Windows RT tablet rumored to pack a battery-equipped keyboard cover
The murmurs surrounding a 10-inch Nokia tablet are growing louder, and they suggest that the company won't just follow the herd. Tipsters for The Verge claim that the Windows RT slate would center on a Surface-style keyboard cover with its own twists. While the add-on would shelter the screen, it would also include a battery to supplement the 10-hour lifespan of the tablet proper. Not enough? It could carry a pair of USB ports and serve as a kickstand. There may be a chance of a US release, as well: Nokia's tablet would supposedly include cellular access and head to AT&T in the US, much like its Booklet 3G ancestor. We're not surprised that the Finnish firm won't comment on the rumor, but we might not have long to wait for verification if the early 2013 release proves real.
Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover
Irrational Games is asking the community to vote for BioShock Infinite's reversible cover art. Studio head Ken Levine asks in a post on the Irrational site for fans to vote on one of six covers:"But what's that you say? You want even more choice in covers? We're also going to be arranging a whole mess of MORE alternate covers which will be available to download and print yourself," Levine writes. "Of course, these are free and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the [Irrational] forums as to what you'd like to see."The cover art PR campaign comes a week after the brotastically boring cover for the fantastical Infinite was revealed. Levine mentioned shortly after the cover art drama that the box art was made for uninformed players who don't read news on gaming sites. So, you know, if you're reading this, go vote on what you want the actual cover for BioShock Infinite to be on your shelf.
Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed
Irrational Games boss Ken Levine talked with Wired recently about the cover art for BioShock Infinite, which was unveiled just over a week ago to the groans of many. Levine compared games to salad dressing when talking about the intentions of the game's box art, saying, "I don't read Salad Dressing Weekly. I don't care who makes it, I don't know any of the personalities in the salad dressing business."Levine said that members of the team went to frathouses to ask if gamers have played BioShock, and "not a single one of them had heard of it." He makes the distinction that the box art for BioShock Infinite is for those uninformed players that don't read news on gaming sites. So, it's not for you, dear Joystiq reader, though Levine addressed you as well, noting that the developer will be releasing a "whole set of alternate covers that you can download and print. We're going to be working with the community to see what they're interested in."Levine added that the BioShock team had to "make that tradeoff in terms of where we were spending our marketing dollars. By the time you get to the store, or see an ad, the BioShock fan knows about the game. The money we're spending on PR, the conversations with games journalists - that's for the fans. For the people who aren't informed, that's who the box art is for."BioShock Infinite will launch March 26, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Levine also recently spoke with Joystiq about the game's themes of faith and evolution of its central character, Elizabeth.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on
Those prone to throwing their e-readers into backpacks and messenger bags know the value of a good case -- and Amazon clearly does, as well. Last time around, the company offered up a lighted version for the Kindle Touch -- obviously that technology's no longer needed on the Paperwhite. The design is fairly similar, however, with a form-fitting plastic back and a leather front -- this time out, however, the front and back are bit more textured.The case also has a magnet on its front and inside, helping it close more securely. As with its predecessor, the inside is cloth, to help protect the Kindle's screen and bezel. Best of all, there's a light sensor built-in, so the reader sleeps and wakes as you open and close it. The case is up for order now on Amazon's site for a cool $40. It comes in a rainbow of six colors.
Premium Collection hot shoe covers are cufflinks for your cam, let you dazzle up that DSLR
You love the focus speed, image quality is top-notch and even videos turn out just as expected -- still, there's something missing with your latest DSLR, though it's just a tad hard to place. What your camera needs is some bona fide bling. Not using that hot shoe for a flash or EVF? It's time to tuck in a beautiful raised floral cover, elegantly outfitted in a shiny silver finish. It's sure to stand out against the contrast of an all-black body, though it'll feel equally at home on your silver Leica. Designed by Jay Tsujimura in Tokyo, Premium Collection includes matching hot shoe and shutter release covers, letting your camera stay coordinated just like your cuffs. They're priced to fly off store shelves at a mere ¥24,150 (about $300) each -- get an up-close look in our gallery and at the source link below.%Gallery-162718%
Nexus 7 dock and covers leak, promise high style in small sizes (update: source goes down)
There have been teases here and there that Google's Nexus 7 was going to get a full, official accessory treatment from ASUS, but actual details have been scarce. Consider ASUS' cover blown, almost literally. Presentation files finding their way to Nordic Hardware show the known Smart Case-like, $20 Travel Cover that's already lurking on the ASUS and Google websites, but they also spoil a leather Premium Cover that will reportedly cost $40. As for a cradle to round out the set? While the company had previously confirmed that a dock was coming, we're now getting a glimpse of the $50 Nexus Dock's super-simple wedge design and audio output. With the exception of the Travel Cover, the accessory bonanza is pegged by the slides as arriving in late August -- just in time for that last-gasp summer vacation. Update: Nordic Hardware has since taken down its original post "at the request" of an unnamed party.
Master Chief surveys the Art of Halo 4 book cover
Above, your eyes can gaze upon the cover of the upcoming Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 art book, featuring all sorts of concept art and designs from Microsoft's upcoming Halo 4. It's got everything you want in a Halo book cover, including Master Chief, some crazy epic Forerunner structure, and a trusty assault rifle. Actually, that's not quite true; we could use at least a little Covenant. Is that a Covvie ship flying through the background? Unclear. You'll have to wait to get a better look when the book arrives on store shelves in November, along with the new game itself.
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.
Google's Nexus 7 cover turns up on the Play store, will set you back $20
Not surprisingly, Google will have some accessories for its new Nexus 7 tablet, including a cover that also leaked out a bit early through Google Play (and spotted by MoDaCo's Paul O'Brien). As you can see, it will cover both the front and back of the device, and set you back a fairly reasonable $20. Available at least in dark grey, it has a matte (seemingly textured) finish, and provides access to both the tablet's headphone jacket and charging port.
Microsoft one ups other tablet 'smart' covers with Surface's Touch Cover and Type Cover
What's 3mm thick, crafted from the finest Polartec and attaches to a tablet magnetically? If you guessed an iPad smart cover you might be right, but right now we're pretty enamored with Microsoft's Touch Cover for the newly announced Surface. See, it works almost exactly like that other "smart" tablet shield, but this one actually earns it's smart moniker. When you peel the plastic shroud back it turns into a fully functional keyboard and touchpad. Obviously, being a thin plastic sheet, the cover is relying on touch for key presses, not the actual depression of mechanical switches. So, while that means it's theoretically possible to touchtype on this bad boy, it remains to be seen just how pleasant of an experience it actually is. Our guess -- it'll be fine for quick emails and Google Bing searches, but we probably wouldn't have to write the Surface review on one. Now, the Type Cover on the other hand, perhaps we'd consider drafting lengthy posts on. It's safe to assume this one is thicker and heavier, turning your tablet into something more closely resembling an Ultrabook. But, it does have a traditional keyboard with solid plastic, separated keys as opposed to a pressure sensitive pad. Perhaps one of the more interesting features though, is their ability to force Win 8 to color coordinate with your chosen shade of folio. Click the blue Touch Cover on to the Surface and the background switches to a soothing shade azure. There's even an accelerometer inside those 3mm-thin softer covers -- which is an impressive feat of engineering. The Touch Covers can easily distinguish between you simply resting your hands on the keyboard and actually typing, which should help minimize accidental key presses. We'll be back as soon as possible with some hands-on. %Gallery-158535% %Gallery-158544%
Samsung Galaxy S III accessories shown on video, that C-Pen never felt closer (video)
If you rushed out to buy a Galaxy S III (or are waiting to buy one) but got skittish over decking it out with extras, it's time to relax. MobileFun has volunteered to show a quintet of the Android 4.0 phone's official accessories on-camera to get a feel for how they work. Samsung's desktop dock, battery charger and flip cover all get the video treatment, but the highlights are the WiFi Display Hub and C-Pen. The wireless hub sadly isn't shown with a live Galaxy S III to demo, but gives a feel for just how minuscule it is next to a TV. However, the C-Pen is mostly notable for working only with Samsung's latest: there's no way to wield it as an upscale Galaxy Note stylus. All of the accessories are already on sale, although it might be wise for Americans to just watch the videos below until they have real phones in their hands later this month.
Logitech reveals Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad
Logitech unveiled a new cover for the iPad that's thin, lightweight and houses a 5-row keyboard. As shown above, it also functions as a stand. The keyboard connects to your iPad via Bluetooth and has a six-month battery life when you use it two hours a day. Just like a Smart Cover, it has a magnetic clip that'll turn your iPad on/off. The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover will go on sale in the U.S. and Europe starting in April. It'll retail for US$99. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text Logitech Delivers Protection with Style for the New, Third-Generation iPad Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Helps You Make the Most of the iPad Experience NEWARK, Calif. - April 18, 2012 - Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today extends its tablet lineup with its latest keyboard accessory – the Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover – made for the new, third-generation iPad® as well as the iPad 2. Leveraging Logitech's extensive heritage of high quality, reliability and design, this all-in-one solution provides an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard so you can type easily and travel without worry. "The third-generation iPad and its apps are designed to give you more control and creativity, whether you are editing photos and movies, making music or writing a novel," said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. "The new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover – with its ultra-sleek, smart design and extended keyboard battery life – provides a convenient way for you to make the most of your iPad no matter what activity you are using it for." The perfect partner for your iPad, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover protects your screen with a stylish, slim aluminum cover that adds minimal weight to your tablet, and features a built-in keyboard that pairs through Bluetooth. When you're ready to type an email or watch a movie, the keyboard's built-in stand holds your iPad at the best angle. Similar to a Smart Cover, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attaches quickly and securely to your iPad with a magnetic clip. It has an instant On/Off feature, which means your iPad automatically wakes up when you open the cover, and switches to standby when you close it. And with a six-month battery life (based on two hours-per-day usage), you can spend more time typing and less time worrying about your keyboard losing power. With function keys for enhanced navigation, and a piano-black finish, this keyboard cover adds both functionality and style to your iPad. Logitech also confirmed that the Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 and the Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad from its current tablet accessories lineup are compatible with both the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad. Pricing and Availability The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in April 2012, for a suggested retail price of $99.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com.
Nokia's free color 710 covers are amazing every day, during April at least
Nokia no doubt won over a few undecided minds last month when it ran a promotion gifting new members to the Lumia 710 owners club with a colorful cover of their choice. We assume it was successful, because it's back. Yes, for the month of April, US-based adopters -- both new and old -- of the mid-level Nokia phone can claim a free chromatic cover. All you have to do is visit the source link below and punch in a few details, Nokia will then ship it out free of charge. We're not trying to influence you, of course, but the Engadget blue one looks pretty good.
Introducing Halo 4's Cortana
You have to wonder why Master Chief – essentially a sexless cyborg – has a voluptuous female counterpart, but it's a bit late in the Halo franchise to be asking such questions. Instead, we simply accept that the Chief's virtual partner-in-heroism will once again return in this fall's Halo 4, and now we know what she looks like (care of the latest Game Informer cover reveal, as seen above).Given the conclusion of Halo 3, we were kinda expecting the Chief's blue buddy to have a straitjacket wrapped around her projected avatar, but perhaps that and more will be explained when the game arrives later this year.Oh, and for comparison's sake, we've dropped an image of Halo 3's Cortana just below the break. Her newer likeness is kinda ... less blue? A bit? That's all we got.
Apple snags a patent for the Smart Cover's magnetic know-how
No, it doesn't cover the totality of the Smart Cover itself (or any case that folds into a triangle), but Apple has now managed to obtain a patent for one of the accessory's key bits of functionality. First filed in July of 2011 and published by the USPTO today, the patent described as an "accessory device with magnetic attachment" details how magnets can be used in a particular manner to attach a cover to a device (like an iPad) and secure it in place, yet still allow it to be easily released. Again, that doesn't cover all cases that use magnets -- just magnets used in this very specific way. Hit the source link below for all the details in patent-speak.
