Griffin Technology
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Griffin Technology is giving away five iPhone 6's
Don't have the money on hand to pick up a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? No problem, provided you're lucky. Accessories manufacturer Griffin Technology will have representatives on hand at Nashville's Green Hills Apple Store, Miami's Lincoln Road Apple Store, London's Regent Street Apple Store, and Paris' Opéra Apple Store. If you skipped breakfast to get in line early, they'll have granola bars and other refreshments to tide you over. Entering the contest is easy: if you're in line at one of the four locations listed above, just take a selfie of yourself in line and upload it to Griffin's selfie contest site at http://grff.in/selfie-contest. Winners will find themselves getting a congratulatory email and phone call from Griffin an hour before the doors open at the Apple Store. Now, for those who are standing in lines at the rest of the Apple Stores around the globe, take your selfie and upload it to Griffin's Facebook contest site. Good luck, and let us know if you are one of the winners!
CES news roundup for January 5, 2014
Imagine waking up on a snowy and cold winter Sunday morning only to find that something strange has happened overnight -- your Mail inbox is overflowing with press releases touting new products being introduced at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show. That was the situation this morning, and I'm sure that the blizzard of news won't back down during the coming week. To help us shovel through the drifts of releases, we're going to send some of them your way in our regularly scheduled daily news roundups. For today, here's a special roundup of CES news for you. TAO-Wellness announces the app-enabled WellShell: Just when you thought you could get away from exercising after being good for the first four days of 2014, along comes word of the TAO WellShell. It's a small handheld device that works with an iOS app to help you tone your body through isometrics. As the company describes it, "you push, TAO resists." There are more than 50 isometric exercises that are explained in the app, and the app provides feedback on how hard you should push and for how long. You're also coached through reps and rest periods, and TAO logs your exercise and calories burned. There's no word on when the TAO WellShell will ship. Griffin Technology and Square intro Merchant case for iPhone 5/5s: Griffin has joined forces with mobile commerce powerhouse Square to develop the Merchant case, the first product to emerge from Square's Works With Square program. The $19.99 case is available now, and features a space for holding the Square reader when it's not in use. In addition, the bottom of the case has a slot that perfectly aligns with the Square reader's slot, allowing more consistent results when swiping cards. Griffin's venerable PowerMate goes Bluetooth: Griffin is also introducing a Bluetooth version of its PowerMate "clickable knob". The PowerMate Bluetooth can be used with any number of applications, allowing control of volume on Bluetooth 4.0-equipped Macs, highly-accurate editing in iMovie and GarageBand, and more. PowerMate Bluetooth cuts the cable and will retail for $59.99. More news will be forthcoming, so stay tuned to this post throughout the day for possible updates.
Griffin wants to dress your iPhone 5/5s in Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is a beautiful, durable and warm handwoven cloth that has been handwoven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland for centuries. Now Griffin Technology brings you officially licensed Harris Tweed cases for the iPhone 5 and 5s. There are two options for these totally fashionable cases: a traditional Harris Tweed Case (US$39.99) and the Harris Tweed Wallet for $59.99. By saying that the case is traditional, I'm saying that it's a pretty normal iPhone case made out of sturdy and protective polycarbonate. Added to the back is a layer of that beautiful Harris Tweed fabric in either a black or brown color. Our review case used the black herringbone material, and it adds a surprising amount of class to what would be a rather boring case. The tweed adds a nice soft, yet grippable backing to the case to keep it from sliding out of your hand. The Harris Tweed Wallet is truly classy, featuring a leather bifold wallet with either a black or brown Harris Tweed herringbone fabric on the front and around the spine. Our review case used the brown fabric, and I was amazed and amused to find that it perfectly matched the color and pattern of a Harris Tweed jacket I purchased 30 years ago. The wallet has three card slots (I was able to fit six IDs or credit cards into the slots during testing), as well as a large and easily opened cash slot. A nicely crafted leather bezel holds the iPhone in place, but allows for easy removal of the phone for attaching an Olloclip lens, for example. Both products are extremely well made, and it's surprising that they're as inexpensive as they are. For the fashionable tweed-lover on your holiday gift list, the Griffin Technology Harris Tweed Case or Wallet for iPhone 5/5s would be a very welcome gift. We're going to give away a case or wallet to two TUAW 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 December 18, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Griffin Harris Tweed Case (black herringbone) valued at $39.99, while the other will receive a Griffin Harris Tweed Wallet (brown herringbone) valued at $59.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Griffin's MultiDock looks sleeker than ever, and it can still house and charge a herd of devices at once
In an age where expecting humans to limit themselves to a single piece of electronics is a little too much to ask for, what could be better than to own a physical hub where multiple things can be charged simultaneously? In all seriousness, though, the Griffin MultiDock can indeed be a rather handy tool for businesses, schools and other organizations needing to store, power and sync a large number of devices at once. What's also good about the second-gen MultiDock is that it's no longer only compatible with iPads, allowing a multitude of slabs from different manufacturers to be housed inside of it. Griffin's also quick to point out that the new MultiDock's design was the result of a collaboration with designer Thomas Meyerhoffer, who's more famously known for having worked on the Apple eMate. Regardless, be prepared to break the piggy bank, since the MultiDock's set to be priced starting at $699 when it becomes available later this month.
Parenting Tip: Protecting your iOS device from bumps, bruises and bashes
Having a naked iPhone or iPad around kids means living in constant fear of one of them snagging the device and dropping smashing it on the floor. Though the iPhone and iPad are lovely devices when they are undressed, parents who want to keep their devices in pristine condition would be wise to adorn them in a case that protects them from the bumps and bruises of living in a child-filled household. Below you will find our recommended cases as well as other accessories to help you child-proof your iOS device. Cases for the iPhone and iPad The case is your first line of defense in protecting your iPhone or iPad. You'll want to choose one that provides corner protection during a fall and is sturdy enough to prevent your child from denting the device when they bump into a corner. If it has a cover, use it! A coverless case won't protect the device if the screen is impacted. I recently lost an iPad 2 because my child dropped the device and then stepped on the screen. LifeProof LifeProof isn't a super durable case, but it'll protect your device from most minor falls. It'll also protect it from a drop in the toilet or the sink. You can read our review of the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4. As an aside, OtterBox just acquired LifeProof, so I would expect to see the products continue to be sold under the OtterBox umbrella. OtterBox OtterBox makes some of the best rugged cases for the iPad and iPhone. There's the new Armor series that are rugged and waterproof as well as the trustworthy Defender series, which offers robust protection from a fall. You can read our review of the Armor case for the iPhone 5 and our review of the early Defender case for the iPad and the iPhone. Griffin Survivor Series Griffin produces the Survivor series of cases for the iPad and the iPhone, which we reviewed a few years back. The Survivor is a rugged case for the iPhone and iPad that is right up there with OtterBox in terms of quality and price. I've used one on my iPad 2 for years, and it protected the device from many near catastrophic falls. The version I had also included a nice little stand that was great for watching videos. Screen Protector An often overlooked accessory that I always buy is a screen protector. It seems whenever my kids spend any amount of time with the iPad, it comes back gooey and sticky. A screen protector wont do much to protect your device in the event of a fall, but it will make it easy to clean. I have successfully used Zagg InvisibleShield, BodyGuardz and Best Skins Ever screen protectors. Depending on what case you buy, it may come with screen protector as part of the case. You'll want to check out the case you plan on buying before you spend an extra $20 on a screen protector that you don't need. AppleCare Spend the extra money to add AppleCare to your device. The version of AppleCare for the iPhone and iPad, called AppleCare+, will provide you with a replacement device at minimal cost when (not if) the device gets damaged. You are limited to two replacements for the life of the plan.
Griffin brings Papernomad's durable eco-friendly sleeves to North America
As TUAW's official case-tester-in-chief, I've seen cases and sleeves for iPhones, iPads and Macs made out of just about every material under the sun. There are those beautiful wood and leather cases, and some crafted from aluminum and other materials, but the vast majority are made of some sort of plastic. That has often made me wonder where all that plastic ends up after a few years when Apple users move on to newer devices. Now Griffin Technology is making waves by bringing Papernomad's paper composite eco-friendly sleeves to North America for the first time. What makes these sleeves so different? The outer shell is made of a water and tear resistant paper composite that looks somewhat like those brown paper bags you used to get at the grocery store before you started using those reusable bags. The inside lining is a wool felt that keeps your favorite Apple product free from scratches and static. Between those two is a batting material that pads your device from bumps. Holding the device in place is a hemp twill pull-tab with a magnetic closure. So, thinking of paper getting wet probably makes you think of soggy paper that's ripping apart and dumping your groceries onto the ground -- not exactly what you'd want for an all-purpose device sleeve, right? The patented paper composite material is water resistant. Papernomad warns you not to put your sleeve into a washing machine, as you'll end up with a pile of compostable goo. However, a little rain or beer spilled on the outside is just going to give your sleeve a bit of character. Speaking of character, Papernomad sleeves have one more defining characteristic. Like just about any other paper, you can write or paint on them with a variety of media, meaning that you can create a totally unique sleeve. I have some plans for the review item I received; it's getting a marker-drawn TUAW logo, a David Lanham sticker or two, and anything else I decide to customize it with. Griffin's the distributor for the Papernomad products in North America; our European readers need to visit Papernomad.com to buy their sleeves. There are three Papernomad sleeves you can buy; Pars for iPhone 4/4s and iPhone 5 (US$39.99), Zattere for iPad ($49.99), and Tamakwa for 13" MacBook Air ($59.99). While they're not yet listed on the Griffin Technology website, there are also sleeves for iPad mini, 11" MacBook Air, and 13" and 15" MacBook Pro that should be available soon. I've got to admit that I was smitten by the simplicity and feel of the iPad mini Zattere and can see how Papernomad's sleeves could become a favorite. The best thing is, once I've moved on to a future Apple device with a different form factor, I know that this case is going to just biodegrade over time and not end up lasting for a thousand years in a landfill.
Griffin Lightning Connector cables available next week
Just in time for the holiday buying season, a lot of new cables and accessories featuring Apple's new Lightning Connector are starting to appear. Griffin announced four new Lightning cables yesterday that will be available next week. The first is the US$24.99 4' coiled USB to Lightning Cable, usable in the car with existing USB plugs or anywhere you need a mid-length cable that doesn't take up a lot of space. The cable is identical to the one used in the PowerJolt SE Car Charger with Lightning Connector (also $24.99) that was reviewed on TUAW a few weeks ago. If you need some room to stretch out, Griffin also released a 3-meter (almost 10 feet) USB to Lightning Cable for $29.99. Shorter 2-foot ($16.99) and 3-foot ($18.99) USB to Lightning Cables round out the offerings from Griffin.
Griffin's Kiosk iPad mount now available
If you've been thinking about using an iPad for a customer kiosk in your business, but haven't figured out how to secure it, Griffin's new Kiosk may be just the solution. The Kiosk comes in two versions -- the Floor Mount (US$299), which screws into a floor and lifts the iPad to 47.5" above floor height, and the Table Mount ($199) that mounts an iPad so it's sitting about a foot above a table. The hardware to mount the Kiosk is included, and three interchangeable faceplates provide or deny access to the camera and home button. An included power cable runs through the center of the steel mount arm, keeping it protected at all times. Since you'll also want to make sure that your customers are focused on your custom app or website, Griffin is also selling the Kiosk app ($2.99) in the App Store. Users can set up a defined home URL and web domain, have a home page reloaded after a pre-set time of non-use, set up a whitelist of allowable web domains or create a customizable URL shortcut buttons, ID the devices by number or name, and get notified by email if a device is unplugged, has a low battery, or is being abused by a user. The Griffin Kiosk looks like a very good solution for business, and you can download a data sheet (PDF) with all of the details.
Griffin announces StudioConnect Audio/MIDI interface for iPad
Musicians have another audio and MIDI interface to choose from when they're looking for a way to connect a guitar, bass or MIDI instrument to an iPad. The new StudioConnect Audio/MIDI interface for iPad (US$149.99) was announced by Griffin Technology today, and it adds a sleek looking dock to the current options available. StudioConnect can be used with the optional GuitarConnect Pro analog to digital interface ($79.99), Griffin's Guitar Cables ($19.99), and the DJ Cable ($19.99) and a host of music applications on the iPad platform. The video below shows the StudioConnect being used with Garage Band by musicians TJ Daly, Jaren Johnston and Katie Herzig. Several other videos are available here, showing Griffin employees demonstrating the StudioConnect with guitar, bass, and MIDI keyboard. It looks like a pretty cool accessory for the musically-inclined, and we'll try to get a unit to our resident musicians for a followup review soon.
Griffin's Multidock system charges and syncs up to 30 iPads at once
Don't you hate it when all of your iPads collectively run out of juice? Well, praise Griffin for announcing its first business centric iOS "accessory" in the shape of the Multidock. It has its own power connection for simultaneous charging of ten iPads, but it can be chain-linked to two other docks for syncing of up to 30 tablets with a single Mac. With each server-esque tower measuring up at 18.6 inches (47.2 cm) tall and priced even higher at $700, this one's for IT pros and Scrabble aficionados only. %Gallery-135272%
Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names
Multitasking business executives are going to love this. Whether you're taking notes on your tablet, pointing out graphs in a presentation or just signing reports, Griffin's new "Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer'' should have you covered. As the name implies, it's a three-in-one input device containing a red laser pointer, an "omni-directional" capacitive stylus and a refillable ball point pen. It certainly seems convenient, but with a $50 price tag you may want to think twice before ditching your Bic. Full PR past the break.
Griffin's Helo TC cleared for takeoff, we attempt to get airborne in a hands-on (video)
We got to the choppa! It's been nearly a month's time since Griffin introduced its AppPowered Helo TC, a mini RC helicopter for iDevices, and we've been lucky enough to play test pilot for a bit. Fifty bucks gets you the TC itself, an infared Flight Deck for your device, 4 extra rotor blades, a USB charging cable and a paper landing pad for when you're done wreaking havoc in your home or office. Of course, there are similar OEM models that use a standard remote available for nearly half the price, but we were curious to see how Griffin's free iPhone app could mix things up -- plus, it's alot easier on the wallet than an AR.Drone. So, was it clear skies and smooth sailing or something more like Blackhawk Down? Breeze on past the break to find out. %Gallery-131152%
Griffin IntelliCase: A great Smart Cover alternative for iPad 2
TUAW reviews a lot of iPad cases. That's made me somewhat jaded about new cases, and when Griffin Technology pitched me on the new IntelliCase for iPad 2 I was a bit on the skeptical side. After using this case for a few days, however, I've changed my mind -- the IntelliCase (US$59.99) is an excellent alternative to Apple's Smart Cover ($39 - $69). Like the Smart Cover, the IntelliCase has magnets embedded in the cover that automatically turn on the iPad 2 when flipped up and turn the iPad off when closed. The IntelliCase cover is made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a material that seems somewhat harder than the polyurethane and leather used on the Apple Smart Covers. The inside of the lid is the same TPU material, which will keep it from picking up dirt and hair that are attracted to the microfiber lining of the Smart Covers. %Gallery-130543% Unlike the Smart Cover, the IntelliCase also protects the back of the iPad. I normally use a combination of a Smart Cover and an AViiQ Smart Case ($49.99) to provide complete and lightweight protection to my iPad 2. The back of the IntelliCase is a slender piece of polycarbonate that snaps onto the iPad 2, and the overall weight of the case seems lighter than the combo I use. The Apple Smart Cover folds origami-like into a small triangular tube that supports the iPad in both a vertical movie stand and more horizontal keyboard stand mode. Since I'm sure that Griffin's designers were aware of Apple's legal stance towards unlicensed copies of their designs, they chose a different mechanism for propping up the iPad 2. Like the original Apple iPad cover, the plastic back has a "flap" that the cover folds into to hold it in the movie and keyboard stand positions. All in all, the IntelliCase performed very well. It protects the iPad 2 better than the Smart Cover, provides a magnetic on/off switch like the Smart Cover, and folds into a solid stand for movie viewing or keyboarding. One complaint I have is that the IntelliCase is a bit smoother than the Smart Cover, which makes it more likely to slip out of your hand. If the IntelliCase cover had an embossed pattern to make a rougher surface, I think it would be just about the perfect iPad 2 case. The other negative? It's only available in black, whereas many other cases can be had in a spectrum of colors. If you're about to buy an iPad 2 or already have one that is in need of protection, definitely consider the Griffin IntelliCase.
Griffin StompBox multi-function foot controller for iOS devices
Griffin has announced a new 4-button foot controller that works with iOS devices. The Griffin StompBox (US$99.99) was developed to work with the Frontier Design iShred LIVE iOS app (Free), making it easy for musicians to switch effects with the StompBox with a tap of a foot. The StompBox is packaged with Griffin's GuitarConnect cable so that the StompBox can be connected to instruments, headphones, and an iOS device. Any instrument that uses a 1/4-inch jack, like a guitar, bass, electric violin or keyboard, can be connected to the StompBox. Foot switches on the StompBox can be assigned to different functions, such as volume, expression, or wah-wah pedals. Griffin also notes that StompBox works with the Qscript teleprompter app ($7.99), scrolling your speech or notes with a simple toe tap. The StompBox will be available through Apple Stores or GriffinTechnology.com.
Griffin's AppPowered Helo TC is a $50 iOS helicopter for your home's air zone
Get to the chopper! Er, micro-copter. Say hello to Griffin's latest AppPowered gadget, the Helo TC. This indoor-heli lets users play pilot via an iOS app offering onscreen "Touch-to-Fly" or accelerometer based "Tilt-to-Fly" controls. After a half-hour's charge over USB, you'll be airborne for about eight minutes and can initiate one of three programmable flight paths if you want to go hands-off. Bummer though, you'll need to hook up a four-AAA packing IR sled to your iDevice for signal. Thankfully, this little guy's equipped for night flights with five LEDs, and you'll find extra rotors if you ever need to ditch into the linoleum. Expect to see these popping up during the holiday season for about $50 (£34.99), but for now you'll find details by flying past the break.
Crayola ColorStudio HD app for iPad swipes its way to your child's heart
The iPad is not childproof. It's fragile and expensive and we can't imagine why you'd want to hand it over willy nilly to your kids. That said, if you've got money to burn and don't mind letting small hands tool around with high-end consumer products, then this should tickle your parental fancy. Announced as a collaboration between Griffin Technology and Crayola, the Crayola ColorStudio HD app for iPad matches a marker-shaped digital stylus -- the inventively titled iMarker -- with your child's LCD-colored imagination. The chunky, kid-friendly stylus mocks the tip of a pen, crayon, marker or paintbrush as your doe-eyed youngin' swipes along 30 plus animated pages -- all while sitting too close to the screen. If free is the key to your heart, go ahead and grab this now on the App Store -- it's the marker clone that'll set you back 30 bills. That said, it's a small price to pay for your child's happiness. Also, digital Burnt Sienna -- need we say any more? Update: Turns out our friends at TUAW have already had the chance to sample one of these in the wild. Check out their impressions.
Griffin's Beacon for iOS devices now shipping, post-remote living for just $80
Sure, you could get a Peel Fruit to turn your iPhone into a universal remote, but if you want a totally wire-free solution Griffin's Beacon is finally available as an alternative. If you'll recall, the battery powered base -- controlled by Dijit's remote control app -- takes your iPhone or iPad's Bluetooth signal, converts it to IR, and blasts commands to your A/V gear. We spent some time with the device at CES and found the package to be quite nice thanks to the versatile base and relatively seamless app. If you're feeling the urge to switch up how you've been flipping through channels, $80 will get you one from Griffin's website or an Apple Store starting today.
Griffin's Beacon Universal Remote Control System brings dongle-free control to your smartphone
Ditch those dongles and throw out those cases, the next level of smartphone-as-universal-remote technology is here. Beacon Universal Remote Control System from Griffin Technology and Dijits turns your iPhone and other iOS devices into omnipotent remote controls, by converting Bluetooth signals into infrared commands that your stereo, TV, and other devices can recognize. Paired with Dijit's Universal Remote App, Beacon, which looks something akin to a game show buzzer, converts your touchscreen to a remote, making all the added cases, dongles, and even cords unnecessary -- it can run up to two months on four AA batteries. Beacon hits the market in May 2011 for $79.99, but if you're lucky enough to be at CES this week, you can check out a demo at Griffin's booth.
Griffin gets an iPhone all up in your car's OBD-II port with the CarTrip Bluetooth adapter
If you're not a car person there's a good chance you don't know much about the OBD-II lurking mysteriously beneath your dash. It's there -- if your car was built since the first Bush administration, anyway. Usually its needs go unfulfilled until your check-engine light pops on and some mechanic with greasy paws clumsily stuffs a code checker in there, but more and more tools are coming out to change that. The Autobot Mavia is one, and now Griffin is doing similar with the CarTrip. It's an OBD-II adapter that connects wirelessly to an iOS device or writes directly to SD card, storing information on information related to car mileage, even giving you a real-time efficiency readout on your display with the CleanDrive app. And, yes, it'll even pull warning codes and the like if things aren't quite running how they should. All that for $89.99, a fair bit less than the Mavia will potentially be and available sooner -- sometime before the first quarter is through.
Review: Griffin Loop for the iPad
Griffin Technology is known for making handy accessories for the Mac and iPod/iPhones. The MacBook Pro that I am using to write this article is currently supported by the Griffin iCurve (which was later replaced with the Elevator), which I've been using for about 6 years now. When I saw the Loop for the iPad, I knew it was going to be something that I wanted to use. As shown above, it will hold your iPad in either "portrait" or "landscape" orientation, but if you look at the very front of the Loop, you will see a slight edge there as well. You can rest the iPad at a lower angle, which is more comfortable for typing (see image here). What is harder to see in the pictures is that the notches to hold the iPad in the upright position (as shown above) are cut a little wider than necessary. This turns out to be a big benefit if you use a case for your iPad, since you can use the Loop without taking it out of the case. Another nice touch is that, when held in portrait mode with the dock connector on the bottom, there is enough clearance to keep the iPad plugged in. The same is not true for the SD card reader and USB camera connector kit accessories for the iPad, but I use those far less often than the sync cable. The Loop is heavy enough that it won't move around, even if you are tapping on the touchscreen. It has some non-slip material on the bottom of it as well. My only (relatively minor) complaint is that the material doesn't cover the entire bottom of the base, which seems like a strange decision to make; it means there are several edges that can get caught and pulled off, making the Loop uneven. I haven't actually had this happen, it just seems like a risk that could have been easily avoided. At US$30, the Loop is on the more expensive side of the various iPad stands out there, but it's versatile enough to give you different ways of using it. If my experience with the iCurve is any indicator, you should be able to use this for many years to come. The ability to keep the case on the iPad is a big "win" for me. Given that the Loop's notch is open, I suspect that whenever Apple announces the second version of the iPad, the Loop will be able to hold it securely, too (even if Apple "tweaks" the design, as they have shown they like to do with the iPhone). Of course, only time will tell.
