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iGills accessory turns iPhone into a dive computer, lets you film underwater
Not quite ready to leave wandering the briny depths up to robots, but still crave some undersea tech? The freshly released iGills Smart Diving System can help. With a polycarbonate housing and free companion app, the setup turns your iPhone into a fully featured recreational dive computer and logbook that can plunge up to 130 feet into the drink. Once connected to the waterproof case's 30-pin dock, handsets gain access to depth and temperature sensors in addition to six buttons for in-app navigation. Not only does the software provide vital dive information, it also allows users to take stills and videos of their underwater excursions through a glass camera port. If you're pining for an iOS-assisted diving experience, the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S-compatible rig will set you back $330. Check out a quick clip of the accessory, complete with requisite rock music, after the break.
mophie goes pro with new 2500 mAh juice pack PRO for iPhone 4/4S
Imagine an iPhone case that gives you not only a healthy 2500 mAh battery pack, but also all of the incredible protection you'd find in a LifeProof or OtterBox case. There's no need to fantasize about this ultimate iPhone case, because it's now available in the mophie juice pack PRO (US$129.95). Read on for a full TUAW review, and then stick around to enter our giveaway for this new case. Review mophie is grabbing bragging rights with the PRO, which has the largest battery pack they've ever built into one of their iPhone cases and exceeds MIL-STD 810G for splash, rain, sand, dust, impact and drop, and vibration and shock protection. Since you might not want to have this bulky (1.02 inches thick) case in your pocket, it comes equipped with a 360° rotating belt clip for hands-free carrying. The case itself is wrapped in a rubberized material for both good gripping and impact protection, with an internal hard shell that also includes integrated screen protection, a pass-through home button, and a watertight speaker cover. The juice pack PRO weighs 5.4 ounces without the belt clip; the clip adds another 2.3 ounces. %Gallery-160346% All of the ports have watertight seals that close over them, all that much better for keeping the iPhone dry when the rain is pouring down. It's not waterproof; you won't want to go scuba diving with your iPhone in a juice pack PRO. But if you spend a lot of time outdoors and want something that's going to keep your pride and joy safe in the rain or when you're scrambling up a mountain trail, this is the case for you. As with the other juice pack cases, charging of the battery pack is accomplished through a USB to micro-USB cable. In normal usage, the iPhone is charged first, with the battery pack being topped off next. The PRO also has the four standard white LEDs on the bottom to give you an idea of charge level (from personal experience, those LEDs also makes a great emergency flashlight). I use a mophie juice pack air and usually wait until my iPhone battery is below 10 percent of capacity before switching on the mophie's power. You can keep the mophie in standby mode like I do, or keep it on and let it supply all of the power to your iPhone. The juice pack PRO comes fully assembled, which gives you some good practice disassembling the device prior to first use. I found that it was easiest to pry the rubberized material away from the hard shell near the iPhone's volume button, and then work around the device pulling it off. Once that's done, pulling off the bottom of the hard shell (where the Dock connector resides) makes it easy to split the screen cover and battery pack apart. Reassembling the case with your iPhone does this in reverse order -- you "stack" the battery pack and your iPhone, then snap the screen cover and plastic shell down over the phone. Snap in the base, and then wrap the rubberized cover over it all, and you're ready to go. Conclusion mophie continues to come out with new products that are extremely well-built and functional, and the juice pack PRO is the latest example of the company's innovation. The juice pack PRO is a worthy competitor to the OtterBox Defender series in terms of protection, but adds a 2500 mAh battery to the mix that the Defender lacks. Pros Powerful battery pack can add hours to the use of your iPhone 4S MIL-STD construction provides protection from shock, drops, impacts, dust, splashes, and other mishaps Rubberized exterior is easy to grip, even with wet or sweaty hands Belt clip holds the case securely Cons Bulky, definitely not pocketable Can be a challenge to install and remove Who is it for? Anyone who wants the ultimate in protection for their iPhone 4/4S, but also wants additional battery life. This is the perfect case for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Giveaway And now the thing you've all been waiting for -- the giveaway! To enter, just fill out the form below completely, and we'll pick a winner through a random drawing. 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 July 15, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a mophie juice pack PRO valued at US$129.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Phocus phantastic for phun iPhone photography
Back in the dark ages of the iPhone 3GS, there was the OWLE bubo -- a machined aluminum case that provided more gripping surface for holding the phone as a camera, a tripod mount, a cold shoe for an LED light, and interchangeable lenses. When the iPhone 4 and 4S came out, the company didn't create a new bubo the company updated the device to hold the newer iPhones. They're back now as Phocus with a new, less expensive, and lighter product that works with the iPhone 4/4S. The Phocus comes in two varieties -- a kit with two lenses for US$99.95 or a three lens kit for $134.95. The two lens kit is actually made up of a wide angle lens with a removable macro lens, while the three lens kit adds a 2X portrait telephoto lens. A lens cap to protect the wide angle / macro is available for $8.95. If you like using filters (UV Haze, polarizing, or effect), both the wide angle lens and portrait telephoto lens take standard 49 mm filters. %Gallery-160288% You're not limited to these lenses, though. If you use either Canon or Nikon SLR lenses, you'll be happy to know that there's a lens adapter ($219.95) that will let you use your favorite big glass for shooting incredible photos. The biggest change in the Phocus comes in the material used to construct it. While the OWLE bubo was machined from a chunk of aluminum and had some heft, the new Phocus Accent is made of a composite material that is much lighter. And while the old unit had an odd shape that made it difficult to hold with one hand, the Phocus has a nice grip that sticks out on the front for easy one-handing. For connecting to a tripod, there are three separate screw mounts -- one directly under the center of gravity of the phone and Phocus, one under the hand grip, and another on top of the device. As with the original device, there's a cold shoe for attaching lights or microphones, and all of the iPhone 4/4S ports are easily accessible. The metal fittings on the Phocus are made out of brass and should stand up well to installing and removing lenses or tripods. As with any screw-mount equipment, I'd recommend a light hand on tightening the lenses to avoid stripping the threads. How does it work? The photos below show a plain iPhone photo (top) and a shot from the same distance with the wide angle lens (bottom): The next pair of photos demonstrates the use of the iPhone's built-in macro capability (top) and the Phocus macro lens (bottom): Conclusion Having used both the old OWLE bubo and the new Phocus, I am quite impressed with how the company was able to reinvent this useful photographic accessory. Especially with the macro lens, I found the photos I was taking with the 8-megapixel camera in the iPhone 4S to be spectacular when viewed at full size. While the Phocus and iPhone are not a substitute for a high-end professional DSLR, they rival or beat the quality and capability of many point and shoot cameras. Pros Well-constructed Lightweight, especially in comparison to the first-generation device Included lenses are perfect for adding wide-angle and closeup macro capabilities to the iPhone 4/4S Cons Cost of SLR lens adapter is prohibitively high May not work with next-generation iPhone Some barrel distortion of photos taken with the wide angle lens Who is it for? Those who want to use their iPhone 4 or 4S as their only digital camera
FreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact
Followers of FreedomPop's saga have seen the fledgling data-only provider make a few audacious claims: providing free bandwidth, for one, and basing its 4G device lineup as much on iPhone sleeve cases as on traditional access points. Add another one to the list -- the MVNO is planning to switch from Clearwire's WiMAX network to Sprint's LTE before 2012 is over. While FreedomPop is still planning to go forward with WiMAX for the initial deployment, it's now looking to use tri-mode EV-DO, LTE and WiMAX modems and phone cases just months later. We'll see if that leads to existing iPhone 4 and 4S owners getting an LTE fix without having to spring for a new phone; marketing VP Tony Miller wouldn't tell GigaOM more. Either way, it's a mixed blessing for data addicts that might find themselves crashing that much faster through the 500MB regular cap on free data.
Noise Free Wireless alleges Apple is tone deaf over sound reduction patent, files lawsuit to match
Apple faces litigation claiming that it's using patented technology all the time, often from small patent holding companies with dollar signs in their eyes. Noise Free Wireless has just filed a patent lawsuit against Apple whose allegations are considerably, well, louder. The firm maintains that it had been pitching its patented noise cancellation to Apple in periodic meetings between 2007 and 2010, only to watch as 1 Infinite Loop used Audience's technology for the iPhone 4 instead -- and supposedly handed some of Noise Free's work to a competitor. An Apple patent filed the same year borrows some of that work, Noise Free insists, in addition to the iPhone in question. Neither side is talking about the details to outlets like Macworld, although we'd be cautious about accepting either company's position at face value. However much Apple may protest its innocence regardless of circumstances, Noise Free certainly has a vested interest in retribution after losing out on such a big contract.
nTelos starts selling iPhone without contract, Apple's prepaid sphere grows a little larger
Virginia's nTelos was part of a big regional carrier push for the iPhone in April. At the time, though, the only real option at the carrier was to spring for one of the company's full-fledged smartphone plans, usually on-contract -- not a bad value at $80, but a tougher case to make when there's Cricket and Virgin Mobile iPhones available with a cheaper rate. As of today, nTelos is offering a much sweeter deal for the commitment-phobic. If the $550-plus full price of an iPhone 4 or 4S stays palatable, the option is now open to go prepaid at $55 a month for unlimited voice, messaging and data with nTelos' FRAWG Nationwide Unlimited Everything plan. You'll still want to reside in the state for nTelos to truly make sense, but if you regularly cheer the Hokies with pride, going the Apple route just got a lot more flexible. [Thanks, Garrett]
Visualized: The iPhone five years after launch
In case you somehow missed it, today is an important milestone in technology nostalgia: it's the fifth anniversary of the original iPhone's launch. We'll let you explore the memories of that insane day on your own terms, but ComScore has produced a visual breakdown of just how ownership has grown and shifted over the years. It's not hard to see that adoption has been on an accelerating curve, especially after the 2010 launch of the Retina display-toting iPhone 4: as of this past May, about three quarters of owners have either the iPhone 4 or the iPhone 4S. And the 2007 edition? Only two percent of all iPhone owners are still actively holding on to the aluminum-clad debut model, which suggests most would rather have Siri than reminisce. Whether you're a fan or have since moved on to a competitor, the chart is a reminder of just how far one of Steve Jobs' biggest projects has come.
Google Drive for iOS hands-on
It's an exciting time when two worlds collide, especially for iOS users that have an affection for Google services. The head honchos in Mountain View took to the stage at Moscone West today and announced two programs were going to be made available in the App Store by the end of day: Chrome and Drive. The latter pushed out first, so we decided to give the free app a closer look. Head below for some screenshots and our impressions of the service.
Sanwa stereoscopic YouTube viewer turns your iPhone into a big-screen 3D TV
Japanese iPhone owners are being given the chance to bathe in the nostalgic glow of the old 3D View-Master -- only now, the pictures will actually move. The Sanwa device works in a similar manner to its ancient mechanical counterpart, but magnifies side-by-side yt3D YouTube movies on an iPhone instead of the classic circular slides. On top of negating the need for custom content like similar products we've seen, this should also yield a brighter and larger 3D viewing area than red-green glasses -- letting you get the most out of that retina display.
HTC One V quietly pops up at Virgin Mobile USA for $200, iPhone tags along for online orders
HTC had broadcast its intentions to bring the One V to the US this summer, and that's exactly what it's doing, even if it's keeping the formalities to a minimum. Virgin Mobile has started selling the entry Android 4.0 phone without fanfare at a very tempting $200 contract-free -- certainly the lowest American price we've seen so far for joining the Sense 4.0 party. The hardware still won't floor anyone, but Virgin Mobile Live is tossed in to perk up the experience. Should Google's platform just not be your bag, you'll also be glad to know that Virgin has recently started taking online orders for its prepaid iPhones, which officially hit the shops on Friday. With their $550 and $650 no-contract prices, though, some may question just how Retina their displays really need to be. [Thanks, Marcus]
Cricket prepaid iPhone sales begin today
Today is the day that prepaid wireless carrier Cricket starts selling the iPhone without a contract. According to a CNET report, customers were lining up to buy the 8 GB iPhone 4 and the 16 GB iPhone 4S which were available for US$399 and $499, respectively. The phones include a $55 monthly plan that gives each customer unlimited calling, unlimited text messaging and 2.3 GB of data. The two iPhones can be purchased online and from company-owned stores and select third-party dealers. [Via Engadget]
iPhone 4 and 4S now available to purchase outright at Cricket for $399 and $499
There's nothing quite like the pent-up anticipation for an Apple product arrival, and yes, that extends even to customers of Cricket, who lined up this morning for their first chance to score an iPhone from the prepaid carrier. While both the iPhone 4 (8GB) and 4S (16GB) must be purchased outright -- for $399 and $499 respectively -- sales were said to be "brisk" today, which can be partially attributed to Cricket's $55 per month plan. For the monthly layout, customers can take advantage of unlimited calling, messaging and data, although they'll need to contend with throttling for any usage past 2.3GB. Next up, Virgin Mobile is similarly situated to receive the iPhone on June 29th. Think there'll be any lines?
Twelve South launches redesigned BookBook for iPad and BookBook for iPhone cases
During a visit to Twelve South's headquarters earlier in the year, we learned that its heralded BookBook lines would be getting a refresh for the iPad and iPhone. Today, we're able to actually talk about 'em. Both products are getting a gentle facelift, and better still, both products are shipping immediately to those interested. The star of the show is quite clearly the iPad edition, which has been "completely redesigned" in order to be some 33 percent thinner while weighing 358 grams. The interior is refreshed, too, with a rigid casing that hides a slip-in cover and a built-in stand. Reportedly in response to popular demand, a black and a red version are joining the classic brown edition, with each one constructed from leather and offering up a dual zipper system. The BookBook for iPad ($79.99) is built to support both the iPad 2 and the new Retina-equipped iPad, while the slightly tweaked BookBook for iPhone ($59.99; now available in brown and black) will comfortably house the iPhone 4 or 4S. Word hounds can find more where this came from in the PR past the break. %Gallery-158569%
PSA: Which iOS 6 features can my device run? (update: more iPhone 3GS support)
So you're eagerly awaiting iOS 6 in the fall, but you'd like to know just how many features you'll end up skipping if you cling on to your existing iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for one more generation. Apple has gone to the trouble of alerting would-be upgraders just what features they'll get when they check for the update this fall, and we've compiled it in a chart for an at-a-glance view of what you'll need. The short answer: you'll want an iPhone 4S if you're craving every iOS 6 feature. Some feature gaps are defined by obvious differences like the absence of cellular hardware, but the performance limits of the iPhone 3GS or fourth-generation iPod touch turn their upgrades into a patchwork. There's also a pair of questions about iPod touch support and whether or not "iPhone 4 or later" explicitly rules out the media player; we'll update should we know more. Either way, it's evident that Apple is bending over backwards to support burgeoning markets, but also that anyone who bought in 2010 or earlier is feeling the pressure to pick up something new -- especially original iPad owners, who can't upgrade at all. iPhone 3GS iPod touch iPhone 4 iPhone 4S iPad 2 iPad (2012) Chinese service integration X X X X X X Facebook integration X X X X X X FaceTime over 3G/4G - - - X - X Flyover and turn-by-turn GPS - - - X X X Guided Access X X X X X X Made for iPhone hearing aids - - - X - - New content stores X X X X X X Offline Reading List - ? X X X X Passbook X X X X - - Phone replies and reminders X - X X - - Safari tab syncing X X X X X X Shared Photo Streams X X X X X X Siri - - - X - X VIP list, flagged/VIP mailboxes X X X X X X Update: Since we first posted this, Apple has updated its support to add Shared Photo Streams and the VIP list support going all the way back to the iPhone 3GS. Support is much more consistent now, even if it still leaves the 3GS lagging in some areas.
Duracell Powermat announces 24-Hour Power System, we go hands-on (video)
Since Duracell and Powermat formed their wireless charging alliance late last year, we've seen the Powermat debut at CES and heard quite a bit about the company's vision for future battery tech. Today the company is unveiling a new charging system which, while not drastically different from the Powermat we've seen before, bundles a few useful products together. In addition to a Powermat for charging the iPhone or iPhone 4, the 24-Hour Power System includes a phone case (necessary for juicing a phone on the Powermat) and a portable backup battery with both microUSB and Apple connectors. The whole package will set you back $100, and it's available online and in NYC stores starting today. Though the system currently only supports the iPhone, the company says it will add compatibility with "an array of other leading smartphones" by this fall. Check out our hands-on demo with Duracell Powermat CEO Ron Rabinowitz below. %Gallery-157374%
Dausen iPhone pico projector battery case at Computex 2012 (hands-on video)
It's not the first iPhone 4/4S pico projector battery case we've come across here at Engadget, but we spotted this little number at Computex 2012 and just couldn't resist sharing it with you. What makes this accessory a bit more unique is that it incorporates the latest in DLP technology from Texas Instruments. As such, it's capable of projecting a 640x360-pixel image up to 70 inches across with 1000:1 contrast ratio. The 2200mAh battery lasts about 3 hours on a charge an can even top off your iPhone in a pinch. Additional features include a built-in speaker powered by a 0.5W audio amplifier. We spent a few minutes using the pico projector and while it works pretty much as advertised, it clearly struggled with the harsh lighting conditions of the show floor. Stay tuned for pricing and availability, but don't miss our hands-on gallery below and our demo video after the break.%Gallery-157640%
Dear Aunt TUAW: Can I switch to Virgin Mobile on my iPhone 4?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Will my AT&T iPhone 4 work on Virgin's no contract plans announced today? Your loving nephew, Dan Dear Dan, Unfortunately, it would appear not. Virgin is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) for Sprint. Virgin uses Sprint's network infrastructure to provide service, which means you'd need a compliant CDMA iPhone instead of your AT&T GSM iPhone. CDMA and GSM are two distinct technologies for providing 3G cellular service, with CDMA being popular primarily in North America. If you want to go with Virgin Mobile, you'll have to purchase a new handset. Today's announcement suggests that prices for those will start at US$549. Hugs, Auntie T. Thanks everyone who helped out Auntie on this question.
Virgin confirms iPhone 4 and 4S coming June 29th, pricing revealed
First rumors, then fact. From Friday June 29th, Virgin Mobile customers in the US can have an iPhone to call their own. Both the iPhone 4 and 4S will be up for grabs on the Beyond Talk data and messaging plans from $35 per month or $30 when registering for automatic payments. The price you pay for not having a contract? That'll be $649 for the 16GB 4S or save $100 by going for the 8GB iPhone 4.
How to fix an iPhone 4 Home button, Sprint or Verizon
I've never had problems with the home button on my Verizon iPhone, but if you do, you should check out this repair post from iMore's Allyson Kazmucha. Kazmucha, who founded the repair company PXLFIX, shows you how to remove the back cover, disassemble the internal components and pull out the home button on your CDMA iPhone. It's not an easy process as you have to dig through the battery and the logic board to get to the home button. The iMore post has detailed images, which should reduce your chance of making a costly mistake. As always, if you do decide to take apart your iPhone, proceed at your own risk.
Mophie's Juice Pack PRO aims to keep iPhone 4 / 4S protected and powered during wild adventures
Staying true to its peripheral nature, Mophie's outed yet another iPhone companion: the Juice Pack PRO. Although the new power-boosting case doesn't carry as much juice as that Powerstation (not surprising, really), it does offer similar ruggedized aesthetics -- which should come in handy the next time you decide to take your Cupertino handset on a hazardous trip. Mophie notes the Juice Pack PRO can more than double the iPhone 4 / 4S life with its 2,500mAh battery, but the company's also placing a hefty amount of focus on the add-on's water splash, sand, impact and shock protection features -- these, naturally, earned the PRO a MIL-STD 810G (Military Standard) rating on the testing grounds. If all that makes this Juice the one for you, then gather up $130 and head over to the Mophie site to snag one for yourself.
