iPhone case
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How many trees must die for iWave's Earth-friendly headphones, iPhone cases? (update)
We're not experts or anything, but cutting down trees to manufacture your headphones ($30), ear buds ($20), and iPhone cases ($25) does not really seem all that "green" to us. But what good is selling stuff made from "reusable, environmentally friendly and recyclable materials" if you can't broadcast your sense of social responsibility with "rustic wood grain finishes and smooth earthy tones" that "mirror the true beauty that surrounds us?" Is we right, or is we right? The Grass Roots Collection (get it?) starts shipping August 1st. PR after the break. Update: A rep from iWave just sent in an email to assure us that no trees whatsoever were harmed in the making of the Grass Roots collection. We just want to take this opportunity to set the record straight -- and to point out that the Earth in the above illustration reminds us of a Chia Pet. Thanks!
TUAW Braintrust: Choosing an iPhone 4 case
The iPhone 4 bumper/case program has finally launched via Apple's new Case Program application. Now it's decision time. Which case do you choose? If you're like me, you haven't really tested out a lot of these options in real life. I've used the Bumper for the past few weeks and can recommend it. It is pretty minimal and unobtrusive, but is a bit of pain to keep putting on and taking off in order to work with my old dock. It has a good reputation in crash tests and I do like the way that the bumper offers physical extensions to the built-in buttons -- but it's not my iPhone 4 in question here, it's yours. So let's turn this matter over to the TUAW braintrust. Tell us which of the cases on offer is best, in your opinion, and why? Can you recommend any of these choices as a better option over the bumper? If so, how does that case excel in day-to-day use? Let us know in this handy poll and don't forget to add your thoughts in the comments for this post. %Poll-50005%
ArkHippo: at last, a cure for your iPhone's portability
Ever wish your iPhone was less pocket-friendly and more throw-across-the-room-friendly? Then the ArkHippo may just be the case for you. Made of a proprietary material "similar to Crocs shoes," the case (said to be "coming soon") promises to let you comfortably rest your iPhone against your shoulder, prop it up to watch a video, or simply toss it around to your heart's content. Still not sold on it? Head on past the break for a quick video -- and don't worry, we're pretty sure the final version won't be made of foam.
Element Case, Ivyskin out iPhone 4 cases specifically to deal with reception issues
Can't find an official iPhone 4 bumper? Driving yourself mad trying to give your new smartphone white glove treatment? Fret not, as a couple of case makers have outed new iPhone 4 clothing that's meant to specifically dodge those naughty reception issues that seem to occur whenever your sweaty palm makes contact with that now infamous metal band. Element Case -- the same folks responsible for the downright lust-worthy Joule stand for iPad -- has just revealed their first iPhone 4 case, the Vapor (shown above). The company claims that its $79.95 enclosure provides an aircraft-grade, CNC'd aluminum frame lined with a shock-absorbent material, the latter of which "addresses iPhone 4 reception issues caused by direct hand to phone cradling." For now, it's up for pre-order (shipments are expected to start next week) in black / black and black / pink, with more colors to become available in the future. As for Ivyskin? It's stepping things up even further by naming its product the "iPhone 4 Reception Case." No need for subtly, we see. Hailed as the "world's thinnest polycarbonate shell" for Apple's latest iDevice, this here sleeve is the one to get if you're look to minimize added bulk and not cover up any of Cupertino's design cues. Best of all, this one retails for just $14.99 and ships with both front and back scratch-free body armors. Crazy that it has come to this, you know? Update: We're seeing reports that Ivyskin is charging but not shipping its case. Buyer beware. %Gallery-97091%
International bubble envelope conceals soft, fuzzy phone case
Not that we haven't seen unorthodox cases before, but there's just something -- how do you say? -- insanely awesome about this one. Disguised as a beat up, reused envelope from the LOL Post, this rip proof, water proof, writable Tyvek case is padded on the inside and perfectly ready for your mobile, PMP or iced-out Rough Riders chain. And those ill-willed jerks on the subway won't ever think to yank your finger for it. It's all yours for DKK 99,00, or around $16.22 in American dollars.
Magellan's waterproof Toughcase wraps GPS module, extended battery around your iPhone
There are iPhone cases, and then there's Magellan's waterproof Toughcase. Priced at $199.99, it's actually just as expensive as a new iPhone 4 on contract, and double the price of an iPhone 3GS (which it actually houses). So, what does two Benjamins get you? Most would argue "not nearly enough," but argonauts may beg to differ. The case meets IPX-7 waterproof standards, enabling it to be submerged at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes, and there's also an integrated 1,840mAh battery that's able to "double the life" of your iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS or second / third-generation iPod touch. Moreover, there's a built-in high sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS chipset for superior GPS reception, and nothing here prevents consumers from accessing the touchscreen. 'Course, the sex appeal of your iDevice goes right out of the window once you strap this monster on, and there's no official support for Apple's newest iPhone, but it's hard to knock the approach here.
Paper iPhone TV set: antiquity with a hint of pastel
Unfortunately, the paper antenna won't help one iota with your iPhone's reception woes.
Supposed next-gen iPhone cases surface in China
We're not sure if it's a result of some hard information or simply an educated guess, but it looks like the first next-gen iPhone cases (or would-be cases) are now starting to find their way before a camera. The most convincing of those comes courtesy of Hardmac, which received the image above from one of its contacts in China -- a quick search of the model name also reveals the manufacturer, Shenzhen Soonleader Electronic Co, and a few more pics (check them out after the break). As you can see, it has all the right curves, a larger opening for a flash and, if you look really closely, you can see the necessary spaces for the new side buttons. Like we said, this could well just be a case of a manufacturer looking to get a jump start, or it could be... something more.
iAngle holds your earbuds and your iPhone... at an angle
That picture above is about all you need to know, because if you go to this product's website there's virtually no text -- just that self-explanatory image showing the thing and what it does. The thing is the iAngle and what it does is double as an earbud case and a mini stand, perfect for your coach class commutes. Massive advancement in the world of gadgets? Hardly, but it's a neat little deal, and at $10 it won't break the bank either. We're thinking it might work with other gadgets too, at least those of roughly the iPhone's thickness, but you're on your own for verifying that hypothesis.
In2Pay is the name of Visa and DeviceFidelity's money-grubbing iPhone case
Visa has been trying to finagle its way onto mobiles for quite a while, and its latest attempt, done in partnership with DeviceFidelity, has now been named as the In2Pay system for iPhones of 3G and 3GS varieties. Built around an app ensconced on a MicroSD card inside that oh-so-special iPhone case, this offers contactless payments anywhere that Visa's payWave is available, as well as secure access to buildings and computer networks. Yep, that sounds like it's definitely going to end in tears, but the brave cash collectors are pressing ahead. Trials are still set for the second quarter of this year, which makes them imminent, and soon thereafter we'll all be making our ill-advised purchases with even greater ease. Video and full PR after the break.
TUAW Giveaway: iTiki iPhone skins bring 50's tiki culture to your phone
TUAWloha! If you're into the kitsch and nostalgia of tiki culture, then you're going to love the new iTiki iPhone skins from IAA. According to the video above, you'll be protected from evil and become more attractive to members of the opposite sex if you put an iTiki on your iPhone. Hey, it's on the Internet -- it can't be a lie! It's also the only iPhone case we've seen here at TUAW that has a butt (see the video for details), a navel, hands, and "feets." To quote the important historical information on the back of the iTiki box, "In Polynesian culture, Tiki was the first man and he created woman, because he was lonely. Later, he created the Mai Tai and several himself-themed bars because he was thirsty. Just think what he'll do for your iPhone!" The lovely and classy iTiki skins, available in Pacific Blue and Koa Orange, would normally cost you US$29.97. TUAW, in the interest of furthering historical research into tiki culture, is going to give away two of these top-quality skins that are designed on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. All you need to do to enter is leave us a comment below with your choice of color. We'll do the rest, and two lucky TUAW readers will be swinging in style with the iTiki skins. Check out the details below: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. To enter, leave a comment telling us what color (Pacific Blue or Koa Orange) iTiki you'd like to win. The comment must be left before midnight on Tax Day, April 15, 2010, 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected in a random drawing. Prize: An iTiki iPhone skin (value - US$29.97) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck! And go have yourself a Mai Tai at Trader Vic's while you're waiting to see if you've won.
Novothink rolls out Solar Surge iPhone / iPod touch charging case
It's not November '09 as originally promised, but Novothink has now announced that its Solar Surge charging cases for the iPhone and iPod touch are finally available. Those will run $79.95 for the iPhone 3G/3GS version and $69.95 for the iPod touch version (second gen only, it seems), which are each available only in black or white at the moment (additional colors are "coming soon), and should add between four and eight hours of talk time, or up to 20 hours of additional audio playback. That's, of course, when the charger is fully charged, but Novothink says you can still expect to get between 30 and 60 minutes of talk time after two hours of exposure to direct sunlight.
Case-Mate's Hug wireless iPhone charging solution shipping now for $100
Remember that wireless induction charger that we saw poking around at the CES iLounge Pavilion earlier this year? Seems that Case-Mate has finally given that little doohickey a name, a price and a ship date. The aptly-titled Hug (which consists of the Hug Case and Hug Pad) slips onto one's iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and allows Apple's darling to get recharged by simply laying on the aforementioned platter. Of course, the case itself is distractingly bulky, and this whole thing relies on the same eCoupled technology that we've been seeing for years now -- though, the fact that this pad will charge any other case that utilizes the same standard is worth noting. Is the ability to never need your dock connecting cable for rejuvenation purposes really worth the $99.99 asking price? We're guessing not, but those that disagree can get their own shipped out this very moment.
iPhone gets a stainless steel clamshell case, we'll wait for the titanium version
You know, for all the praise the iPhone has received in its time, we never thought it looked quite Matrix-y enough. Thankfully, that all-important deficiency has been remedied by a man named Ryan Glasgow up in Portland, who has just started selling the above case to all who care to have one. It's built out of stainless steel on the outside and silicone padding on the inside, with strategically located cutouts for wireless signals and heat emissions to get through. You can flip the front plate open, turning it into a rather outsized clamshell, or you can just talk with the lid closed, it's all up to you. Aluminum and engraving options (how about "my other phone is a Vertu"?) are also available with each case costing a slightly spendy $95. See more of it in the gallery below.%Gallery-87319%
Roadie-approved iPhone case provides ultimate protection
So, you don't think that the OtterBox 2600 PDA case will provide enough protection for your iPhone? What you need is something like those incredible cases that roadies use to protect instruments and gear. TUAW reader Stuart tipped us off to such a case, designed and built by a friend who creates cases for bands. While this isn't the most practical iPhone case, it certainly provides a huge amount of protection. It'll also show a certain amount of panache to carry one of these Brady Cases around, flipping open the latches whenever you need an iPhone fix. If you're interested in ordering a similar case for your iPhone, you can use this contact form to see if Brady Cases will build a custom one for you. Note that this case is not currently listed on the company's web site as a product offered for sale.
Super Street Fighter IV pre-order bonuses include costumes for your fighters, your phone, and yourself
Capcom is sweetening the deal for Super Street Fighter IV in both the US and Europe with some ridiculous pre-order bonuses. In the US, a timed exclusive download pack will be available from Amazon and Best Buy, featuring "Super Classic Costumes" for Dhalsim, Fei Long, Blanka, Gen, and Guile. Fei Long has a Kato (of The Green Hornet fame) costume! Blanka has a Dan costume! Insanity! Pre-ordering from GameStop will get you a set of ... thumb covers with Street Fighter characters on them. For thumb wrestling. The game will be out April 27 in North America. In Europe, where Super Street Fighter IV will be released on April 30, the choice is even tougher. Capcom has yet to reveal which retailers offer which bonuses, but the choice of items is between the Super Classic Costumes pack, some iPhone covers bearing World Warriors' faces, or t-shirts that look like Street Fighter costumes. You can see all the choices in our gallery. %Gallery-86520%
Case-Mate offers $0.99 iPhone recession case... a day after recession ends
In life, you'll quickly learn that everything is about timing. And thankfully for us Earthlings, Case-Mate seems just 24 hours off with this one. A day after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that this so-called recessions was "very likely over," the aforesaid accessory maker has popped out an iPhone case for those of us who vehemently disagree. The aptly titled iPhone recession case is quite possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread the AirMail, and at just $0.99 including shipping, we figure you'll have a tough time finding a better way to protect your cellie. Or waste $0.99, now that we think of it.[Thanks, Andy]
Video: Tech21's iBand protective case and its mystical, magical, non-Newtonian goo
If you're the clumsy sort you have absolutely no shortage of protective cases and coatings to shroud your pricey gadget in, but most are ugly, bulky, and likely ineffective. The iBand from Tech21 isn't particularly attractive nor svelte, but after watching the video below there's little doubt about its effectiveness. It's made of a substance called d3o, which is a fancy orange non-Newtonian substance, starting out stretchy and gushy but, when put under pressure, hardening and protecting its precious contents. We've seen this stuff applied to high-impact applications like motorcycle armor, but we're glad to see gadgetry getting a little attention too. The video is a bit curious as it appears that the d3o is just applied around the edges of the case and yet the enclosed device survives a face-down landing, but it's an impressive demonstration nevertheless. Right now the £15 ($25) iBand is only available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but future gadgets should receive the oobleck treatment soon.
EXOvault case wraps your iPhone in cold, hard steel
Do none of the gazillion iPhone cases currently on the market suit your fancy? Are you still looking for a holster that's really built to take abuse? Look no further, as the handcrafted EXOvault is an all-metal sheath that can be ordered in aluminum, brass or titanium. Beyond that, details are surprisingly scant, leaving us to assume "what you see is what you get." Be sure to make clear what kind of iPhone you have when ordering, and be extra sure to have $95 / $95 / $300 (respectively) in liquidated funds available before pulling the trigger.[Via Boing Boing]
Factron iPhone case packs interchangeable camera lenses, built-in excess
The Factron folks have been doing their custom case thing with various Apple products for some time now, but they've truly outdone themselves with their new iPhone case, which not only boasts some stylish, rangefinder camera-esque looks, but a complete set of interchangeable (presumably functional) lenses. Those include fish eye, wide-angle, and close-up lenses, which range in price from $15 to $55, while the case itself will set you back a full $200. Quite a bit to pay for a case, to be sure, but a veritable bargain compared to the $800 that some of the group's previous cases have fetched. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look.[Via Engadget Polska]
