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RunKeeper announces regional localization, and more product news
You know how hard it is to believe that some people are speaking the same language -- allegedly English -- that you are? Bostonians are probably the worst manglers of the Queen's English, although some of the New York/New Jersey dialects can be horrible. And let's not even talk about the Southern US, where I don't think the root language spoken is English. At least those of us in the West speak clearly and enunciate properly... Well, enough of that. RunKeeper has announced regional localizations of the verbal prompts in their fitness tracking app, starting with RunKeepah, the Boston/New England version of the app. The company promises versions of the app in midwest, New York and Southern dialects over the course of the next year. You can read all about RunKeepah heah ... I mean "here" and listen to the Bostonian version as well. Moo.com -- You know those classy business cards you can get from Moo? The company today announced their new delivery option in Boston, Providence, and London. Pug Post will "add a little warmth to our delivery service and give people a reason to smile." Who needs delivery drones when you can have something much cuter delivering your biz cards? Beginning tomorrow, the Canine Courier Pug Post option will be available as a delivery option for any orders including Luxe products. Pad and Quill's Field Bag has been a huge hit with those who love the high-quality handmade luxury of P&Q's product line. Now the company has announced the Micro Field Bag for iPhone, bringing the same leather details, waxed canvas body, and even a cherry wood "ampersand" logo. It's on Kickstarter, and for as little as $50 you can own one of these cute little bags. I'm planning on backing at the $70 level so I can get one that will match my Navy Blue Field Bag... As the company says, "Again we think it's amazingly practical way of carrying your iPhone, multiple credit cards, ID and cash. You can even stuff your charger cube and cable...in your other pocket." One day after iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens griped about how Apple is doing its best to put repair shops out of business, the company announced that it is being acquired by Apple. Said Wiens, "Everyone has a number. I didn't think there was a reasonable number that would make me say, 'You know I was going to change the world with repair documentation but here's a number.' In the end, Apple gave us a number that we couldn't refuse." Our very own Erica Sadun is working on an iOS 8 book for an October release -- iOS 8 Development for the Really Impatient is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. And right here in the State of Colorado, case manufacturer OtterBox has licensed the rights to the official colors and flag of its home state. To quote Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, "By adopting the OtterBox brand image, Colorado strengthens its creative, playful and outdoorsy reputation on a global scale," said Gov. Hickenlooper. "Plus, now I get to ride the slide at OtterBox headquarters whenever I want. Who doesn't love a slide?"
OtterBox Preserver case for iPhone 5: Review and giveaway
OtterBox has just introduced a new line of iPhone cases that should capture the attention of anyone who spends time around water. The Preserver Series (US$89.95) is now available for iPhone 5, and will soon be shipping for iPhone 5s and 5c. The case features the ability to be submerged in water up to 2m (6.6 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes without the water resistance being compromised. That same watertightness also insures IP68 dust and debris protection, and the entire design of the case -- like all OtterBox products -- is centered around making sure that your device survives drops and bumps. The Preserver Series uses two-piece snap construction for easy installation. The front portion of the case features all of the various buttons and sealed ports, and includes a clear screen protector as well. The back of the case has a soft, padded interior that nestles against the back of your iPhone to keep it safe from scratches. These two pieces snap together to create a watertight seal. As with other waterproof cases made by OtterBox and others, the Preserver should be tested prior to final installation on your device. The case comes with a lanyard so you can dangle it from your wrist, and it's available in four different color combinations: pistachio (bright green) and white, carbon (dark gray) and black, glacier (white) and gray, and soon primrose (pink) and white. Our review sample is the pistachio color, and it would be very easy to find if you dropped it while out in the great outdoors as it is very eye-catching. I didn't have an iPhone 5 available for testing, so I wasn't able to try the case on an actual phone. However, I did do the watertightness test and can vouch that the inside of the case stayed dry after 30 minutes in water with a coffee mug on top of it. I'll be interested to see how OtterBox manages to create a Preserver that works with the Touch ID home button of the iPhone 5s -- perhaps the company will provide a sealable "door" for unlocking the phone with a finger? Who knows... As with all of OtterBox's other case lines for iPhone, the Preserver series is solid and extremely well-built. Without the lanyard installed, the iPhone 5 model will add only two ounces to the weight of your phone. It will add some bulk to your phone in terms of size; there's just no way to get this type of protection in a slender case. Conclusion The new OtterBox Preserver Series case for iPhone 5 looks like another winner in the OtterBox lineup, providing water resistance and solid drop protection in an attractive package. Pros Water resistant for up to 30 minutes in 2m of water Provides IP68 dust and debris protection Tested to withstand drops of up to 2m without harming the iPhone 5 Comes with attachable wrist lanyard Cons Only works with the iPhone 5 at this time; models for iPhone 5s and 5c are forthcoming Who is it for? The outdoor enthusiast or swimmer who wants a phone case that can withstand drops and the occasional dunking Giveaway Have an iPhone 5? Want to keep it working well and looking brand new despite dropping it in water on occasion? We have a rugged OtterBox Preserver case for iPhone 5 with someone's name on it -- and it could be you. 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 October 25, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an OtterBox Preserver Series case for iPhone 5 valued at $89.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
OtterBox Commuter Series Wallet: To protect and to serve
OtterBox has been making protective cases since 1998, making the company the great-granddaddy of the entire huge smartphone/tablet case market. The company announced a new member of the family yesterday, introducing the Commuter Series Wallet (US$44.95) for the iPhone 5/5s. We've been seeing a lot of different wallet cases lately, many of which are more wallet (think leather) than protective case. OtterBox has taken the protection of the Commuter Series cases and merged it with a slide-out drawer-like back that can hold up to three credit or ID cards and one folded bill. Like the other members of the Commuter Series, the Wallet wraps your iPhone 5 or 5s in rubbery silicone that is then surrounded by a tough polycarbonate shell. The screen is covered with a stick-on screen protector (it leaves space for the Touch ID-enabled home button of the iPhone 5s), so your preciousss is going to be in good hands while living in the Commuter Series Wallet. There's a silicone door that covers the Lightning port, another one that covers the headphone jack, and soft buttons that cover the volume toggle and power switch. Installing the case is a piece of cake, although it takes some muscle to take it back off. Once the case is on your iPhone 5, you can rest assured that whatever you put into the wallet "drawer" is going to stay put. It makes an audible "click" when shut, and requires a bit of pressure to open. I can verify that two credit cards and a driver's license fit into the case snugly, but I had no cash with which to check out the "one folded bill" claim... If there's one negative I can find with the Commuter Series Wallet, it's that it's somewhat difficult to get cards out -- a small ramp on the bottom edge of the drawer would have made it a bit easier to slide cards out. As it is, you have to kind of pick them out with your fingers. The Commuter Series Wallet is available now from OtterBox in black and glacier (white hard shell with gray silicone), and will soon be available in primrose (pinkish hard shell with light gray silicone). The case weighs just 2.0 ounces (56.7 grams), not bad considering the level of protection it provides. Unsurprisingly, it's a little thick at .71 inches (1.8 cm), but when you consider that the case can eliminate the need to carry a separate wallet, that's not a real issue. Check out the video below for a demonstration of the Commuter Series Wallet Case, and then read on for a chance to win one of these cases. Conclusion With the Commuter Series Wallet for iPhone 5/5s, OtterBox has entered the case wallet market with a bang. The case provides the excellent drop protection that the company's line is known for, and provides a convenient and secure way to carry an ID card and some credit cards. Pros Reasonably priced for a high-quality protective product Very lightweight Positive feedback on the drawer mechanism insures that your cards remain safely stowed Excellent build quality Cons It would be nice if the cards could just slide out with pressure from a thumb; as it is, they must be picked out of the drawer one by one. Who is it for? The iPhone 5/5s owner who is looking both for the protection of one of OtterBox's Commuter Series cases and the convenience of not having to carry a separate wallet Giveaway 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 October 8, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an OtterBox Commuter Series Wallet valued at $44.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
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.
Daily Update for May 23, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
OtterBox acquires LifeProof
OtterBox, a pioneer in smartphone case technology based in Ft. Collins, Colo., today got a little bit larger. The company acquired LifeProof, a company that builds a line of waterproof cases that provide superior protection without adding a lot of bulk or weight to devices. OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof line into its own line of cases over the next month, and it appears that both companies will retain existing employees for the time being. OtterBox has about 650 employees worldwide, while LifeProof has about 250 in its San Diego office. It will be interesting to watch this acquisition unfold. Could this be the start of consolidation of accessory manufacturers in the booming Apple market? We'll keep an eye out for other rumor or takeover talk. Show full PR text FORT COLLINS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OtterBox®, the global leader in protection for handheld technology, today announced the acquisition of TreeFrog Developments Inc., DBA LifeProof®. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, LifeProof is an award-winning maker of protective cases and complementary accessories for smartphones and tablets. Much like OtterBox, LifeProof is a rapidly growing, multi-million dollar business with a strong global brand, comprehensive product offering, impressive intellectual property and thriving company culture. Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration. "The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories," OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said. "Both companies are successful because we foster an environment where everyone takes pride in being part of a culture that knows how to identify opportunities and grow them quickly. Our goal in this acquisition is to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually." A key driver for the acquisition is about creating customers who are passionate about the OtterBox brand. "Our strategy is to utilize our combined brand momentum, and world-class talent to create a great customer experience that generates OtterBox brand ambassadors for life," Thomas said. "Our customers and our employees are the ones who have the passion for the brand that allows us to succeed. This passionate spirit motivates us to build better teams, better companies and ultimately, better communities. At the end of the day, that is our goal." OtterBox employs approximately 650 people worldwide. LifeProof employed approximately 250 people, who are now members of the OtterBox family and will remain in their San Diego location for the foreseeable future. OtterBox has been a family-owned business since 1998. The financial details and terms of the agreement are confidential. About LifeProof: Based in San Diego, LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device every day, everywhere, and for everything, without worry. For more information, visit lifeproof.com. About OtterBox: Founded in 1998, OtterBox creates premium technology accessories for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. The top mobile device manufacturers, big box retailers and wireless services providers in the world value their partnership with OtterBox to increase device sales and to strengthen their own brand equity. OtterBox works endlessly to create a strong connection with consumers through first-class customer service, commitment to premium product quality and constant voice-of-the-consumer efforts. OtterBox has been a five-time honoree on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the US, recognized in the Top 10 by the Forbes Magazine America's Most Promising Companies list and is a repeat honoree in the Great Place to Work annual survey published by FORTUNE Magazine. The multi-million dollar company has global headquarters in Fort Collins, Colo. and offices in Boston, San Diego, Cork, Ireland and Hong Kong. OtterBox is the No. 1-selling case for smartphones* and offers an extensive lineup of screen protectors, cases and other accessories that enhance various consumer lifestyles. For more information, visit otterbox.com. We've Got Technology Covered.
Engadget Giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy S 4 on AT&T, courtesy of Otterbox!
See that package above? That phone-and-case combo could find a home in your hand, thanks to Otterbox. The company, which is well known for its durable cases, has an AT&T-branded Samsung Galaxy S 4 to hand out to one of our lucky readers! Additionally, the winner will receive one Defender case (valued at $50) and one Commuter case (valued at $35) specifically designed for the GS4. The phone is locked and doesn't come with service, so those of you who aren't AT&T fans may need to get creative with it. Hit up the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, and good luck! Note: Because the GS4 is locked to a US carrier, this week's giveaway is unfortunately limited to our US readers. We should have some Canadian and UK giveaways coming up in the near future, however, so stay tuned! Winner: Congratulations to Don Z. of Oakbrook Terrace, IL for winning this week's contest!
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.
OtterBox leading the fight against counterfeit cases
When you think of counterfeit Apple products you usually think of fake iPhones or fake iPads, but now popular case makers are now having a hard time dealing with counterfeiters. OtterBox, based in Colorado, is the number one case provider for iPhones and iPads and other smart phones in the American marketplace and in a press release today, the company highlighted the struggles it is having with counterfeiters in the United States and in China. OtterBox has revealed that in 2012 alone the company and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked together to confiscate over 118,000 counterfeit OtterBox items. "Its important that consumers understand the difference between authentic and counterfeit product and unfortunately some do not," Rachael Lamkin, associate general counsel for OtterBox said in a statement. "Counterfeit OtterBox cases lead some consumers to believe they just made a bargain purchase, but the low price tag means poor quality and a bad reflection of our brand. That purchase is also counterproductive to developing a strong economy." Anyone who thought that they've purchased an official OtterBox case but now thinks it might be counterfeit is urged to contact the company through their support page.
OtterBox Armor Series for iPhone 5/4/4S: Protection from everything
OtterBox was one of the first iPhone case manufacturers to come out with a product -- the Defender Series -- that could handle some really rough treatment. Now OtterBox is taking the lead in iPhone protection with the new OtterBox Armor Series, which is available for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4/4S (US$99.95). The new case series not only builds on the crush and drop protection provided by the Defender Series, but also adds waterproofing. The Armor Series is designed to withstand being in up to 6.6 feet of water for 30 minutes, handling drops from 10 feet, and being crushed by a 2 ton weight. That's perfect for those situations where you drop your iPhone 5 from where you're riding on top of a rhinoceros and she proceeds to step on it and hold it underwater for a half hour... We don't believe it's designed to protect your precious from the impact of a meteorite, but for just about everything else, the Armor Series is going to help. Here's a closeup look at the Armor Series case for iPhone 5. Design As you'd expect from an iPhone case with these credentials, the Armor Series isn't exactly svelte. It weighs in at 4.1 ounces, has a thickness of about .75", a width of about 2.9", and a height of about 5.5". Compare that with a naked iPhone 5, which is only .3" thick and has dimensions of 2.31" x 4.87" and a weight of 3.95 ounces. But if you want protection, you've got it. Everything is sealed into the case, which comes in black and gray with a shock-absorbent lining of neon green, arctic blue, or electric orange. The arctic blue model has a white bezel surrounding the phone display, perfect for framing a white iPhone 5. On the right side of the case are two zinc alloy metal latches that hold the case halves together securely. To install the iPhone 5 into the case, you flip those latches open and take the back of the case off. Pop the iPhone in, slap the back on, re-do the latches and you're ready to abuse the case ... but not your iPhone. %Gallery-181062% OtterBox recommends testing the Armor Series case in water for at least 30 minutes prior to placing an iPhone into the case. They also -- like all manufacturers who make similar cases -- suggest that you "use caution when subjecting your device to extreme situations and rough treatment" and warn that "Users subject their devices to extreme circumstances at their own risk." Switches and the home button on the iPhone 5 are covered with flexible pass-through equivalents, and the headphone port is covered by a thick plug. Speakers are covered with an impermeable membrane, while speakers are covered with a mesh that lets sound out but no water or dust in. The Armor Series doesn't have a belt holster -- yet -- nor does it come in a larger variety of colors -- yet. OtterBox is probably testing the waters before committing to accessories and new colors. There is a wrist strap to make carrying the case a bit easier, although it's probably just easier to stuff it into one of the pockets on your pants. Functionality OK, so I didn't have a chance to drive my Honda CRV (a little less than 2 tons) onto my iPhone 5 in the test Armor Series case. Nor did I really feel like subjecting my personal phone to a 10-foot drop. I did, however, check the watertightness of the case. As advertised, it was easily able to withstand being held about six inches underwater for 30 minutes with no problems. However, when I left it in that same six inches of water for three hours, there was a slight leakage resulting in water coming into the case. Moral of the story? Don't try to exceed the advertised specifications. Since the Armor Series has been subjected to testing to US military standards, I have no doubt that it will be able to handle the other tests as well. It's definitely a chunky case, but the Armor Series really provides a feeling of security that surpasses any other MIL-STD case I've tested for the iPhone 5. Conclusion With the introduction of the Armor Series for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, OtterBox has again taken the lead in the rugged case category. Pros Waterproof, dust proof, shockproof, and crush proof Well constructed Easy to install and remove Colors for plugs and back padding are bright and upbeat Available immediately Cons More expensive than LifeProof's $79.99 frē case, which offers similar protection Who is it for? Anyone who needs rugged protection for their iPhone 4/4S or iPhone 5.
Otterbox unveils iON Intelligence iPhone case with automatic power management and Defender protection (hands-on)
Otterbox has teased its new Defender case here at CES but there's an important new addition inside the iON Intelligence case -- this one is a bit more considerate how it charges your iPhone 4 (or 4S). There's a strip of LED lights along the bottom edge which indicate how charged the case is, and it will only ever start topping up your phone when it dips below 100 percent, all without the need to flip a switch. An installable app will monitor how power is transferred between the iPhone and the 1,450mAh pack housed inside that Defender casing. This is still an experimental sample, but Otterbox tells us that the case will arrive before the summer. Until then, we've got a teaser video after the break to tide you over.
Otterbox acquires screen protector manufacturer Wrapsol, promises more high-quality accessories
Sure, we may see acquisitions from big-name players in tech from time to time, but it's not every day that accessory makers announce new company purchases. Today, however, Otterbox has let it be known that it's scooped up Wrapsol, a film wrap manufacturer that's more commonly known for offering a slew of screen protectors for handsets, tablets and even laptops. Mum's the word on how much cash the Defender creator shelled out, but the company's CEO, Brian Thomas, appears to be quite content with its new property, saying that the addition of Wrapsol "enhances our ability to provide our customers and consumers an expanded variety of high-quality products."
Introducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days!
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/24/iphone-5-campaign/"><img alt="Introducing Engadget's next giveaway Five iPhone 5s in five days!" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/09/iphone-5-2012-09-14-600-1.jpg" style="margin:4px;width:600px;height:400px;"/> </a></p><p>A lot of you out there have been anxiously awaiting the holidays, and -- more importantly -- an excuse to get your hands on the latest <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/">iPhone</a>. In fact, the demand is so high that Apple is still experiencing inventory shortages. We don't want that little niggle getting in your way, of course, so we've teamed up with five different companies to get you set up with an iPhone! So here's the deal: beginning Monday, we will begin one new iPhone 5 contest every day through Friday. Some of the contests will feature the actual phone (carrier branding may vary), while others will offer an Apple Store gift card to cover the cost of buying one without a contract.</p><p> You can enter each individual contest once, giving you five separate opportunities to win over the course of the next week. So be on the lookout starting Monday, and make sure you come back every day to increase your chances of winning! Below you'll find the companies involved, so that way you know exactly who to thank for your new toy. This post is not a contest, by the way, so leaving a comment here <i>won't</i> enter you to win. Just make sure you're back here bright and early on Monday -- believe us, there will be plenty of other awesome news to check out that day while you're here.</p><p> <strong>Note</strong>: this next week is going to be a pretty hectic one, so we're going to keep each contest open for five days rather than the usual two.</p><p></p>
IRL: Fujifilm X-Pro1, Garmin Edge 200 and Otterbox's Universal Defender case, revisited
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. If we've never explained where the idea for IRL came from, now might be as good a time as any. Our own Tim Stevens, a car nut in his own right and a one-time auto editor for Engadget, wanted to test gadgets the way auto mags do vehicles. That is to say, on an ongoing basis, over a long period of time. That mission rings particularly true this week: Jon's taken hundreds of test shots with Fujifilm's X-Pro1, Terrence has been commuting with the Garmin Edge 200 cycling monitor and Brian has owned the Otterbox Universal Defender case so long that he's actually taking back the praise he gave in a prior IRL. All that and more after the break.
IRL: Sony SmartWatch, Otterbox Universal Defender case and a Blendtec blender
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. At last! A story where it's actually appropriate to write "Will it blend?" in the comments! In this week's IRL, our very own Darren Murph takes a slightly different tack than usual, gushing about his new $400 fruit crusher. On an equally rough-and-tumble note, Brian brings his trusty Otterbox iPhone case into a Nevada sandstorm with 50 mile-per-hour winds, while Sharif tests out Sony's SmartWatch -- from the comfort of his London neighborhood, of course.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: bags and cases
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. Santa may be able to toss a few thousand laptops in his bright red sack with nary a scratch to be seen -- but you sure can't. You'll want to keep those goods sparkly and new for as long as possible, and that's what today's gift selections are all about - getting your tech from A to B in the safest, most stylish way possible. There's plenty of choice for transporting your goodies, ranging from the bland to the bizarre, from rucksacks to courier bags, silicone to silk -- there is literally something for everyone. Finding a one-size-fits-all solution is going to be nigh-on impossible, but we're hopeful that what we've got here will be just the ticket to re-wrap what you just unboxed.
TUAW TV Live at 5 PM ET: What's 'appening?
While watch the snow fall here at the TUAW studios in Colorado, you can watch and enjoy a conversation about some new products made for your favorite Apple devices. I'll give you a hands-on look at Twelve South's new PlugBug for iPad/iPhone, Scosche's caribiner-laden clipSYNC Charge & Sync Cable for iPhone and iPod touch, and a prototype of a new aluminum iPhone case from Caseless. I also have one of the new OtterBox Defender cases for the iPhone 4S to demonstrate -- I think it would work just fine in the snowstorm we're having here today. Once we've explored the accessories, I have a couple of apps to demonstrate to you just to show you what I've been looking at lately. I'll talk briefly about this year's NaNoWriMo, a new book written by me and Erica Sadun, and anything else that happens to come up in the chat room. As usual, I'll be starting the show at 5 PM EDT (2 PM PDT / 10 PM BST) sharp, and we'll take a few minutes to chat before the demos start. To join in on the chat and watch the live streaming video, drop by TUAW about five minutes before the start time to get your instructions on how to participate. If you're unable to join us for the show, remember that you can always subscribe to the video podcast and watch the show at your leisure in iTunes or any other favorite podcatching app. The past shows are also available on the TUAW YouTube channel. The chat is now available as well on IRC: join us on server chat1.ustream.tv, chat room #tuaw-tv.
New OtterBox Reflex Series case for iPad 2
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to try out a number of products from OtterBox. The company, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is well known for their protective cases for iOS and other devices. The company has four main series of products: the Defender, a multi-layer design which is designed for rough conditions; the Reflex, which uses a lighter design that emulates the automobile crumple zone concept for protection; the Commuter, which is designed for protection from day-to-day drops and scrapes; and the Impact, which is made up of simple silicone sleeves. OtterBox is about to ship the new Reflex series case for iPad 2 (US$69.95), and I had a chance to try it out. Read on for more details on this new iPad 2 case. Design As with all of the OtterBox cases in the Reflex series, the iPad 2 case is lightweight protection. The case consists of what appears to be a polycarbonate shell with a stiff, flexible material around most of the sides and corners of the iPad 2. That material flexes on impact and then returns to its original shape, protecting the iPad 2 while not adding a lot of bulk to the case. The case itself comes in two pieces that slide onto the top and bottom of the iPad 2. As you'd expect, there are openings for the speaker, the Dock connector, the headphone jack, the microphone, the camera, and the mute / orientation lock switch. Two other buttons -- the volume toggle and the on/off/sleep/wake button -- are covered by more of the flexible material. There's a slight bulge on the case over the lower two corners of the iPad 2, which provides a outlet over the lower right corner to channel sound from the iPad's speaker. %Gallery-135244% To provide screen protection while in transit, there is a screen shield / stand made of a combination of clear polycarbonate and the flexible material. The cover frankly doesn't look that attractive, but when the goal is to protect your iPad screen from damage, who cares about looks? OtterBox also throws in a stick-on screen protection film and screen buffing cloths. The screen shield doubles as a stand; to do so, you take it off, bend it slightly, and then insert a tab into a slot in the cover. It takes only a few seconds to set the stand up, after which the iPad can be placed on it in any of several different orientations. OtterBox cases always feel sturdy, and the Reflex series for iPad 2 is no exception. I personally like the fact that it's providing very good impact protection without adding either bulk or weight to the iPad 2. With the case on, the iPad 2 / Reflex combo weighs in at about 1 lb., 15 ounces, while the iPad 2 weighs 1 lb., 5 ounces on its own. Functionality Hey, it's an OtterBox. Of course it's going to protect your iPad 2 like a junkyard dog! I did not deliberately drop my iPad 2 to test it, but looking at the various videos on the OtterBox site that show how the case technology works, I have little doubt that the iPad would survive just about any situation that I could put it into. The case was a cinch to put on and take off -- when I was weighing the iPad with and without the case, it took me about 5 seconds to take it off and another 10 seconds to put it back on. The "ears" on the case cover flex just enough to make snapping the cover onto the front of the iPad easy (note: you can also stow the cover on the back of your iPad). The stand capability is great, as it holds the iPad in both a "keyboard" tilt and a "movie-watching" position. Those two positions cover about 95% of my iPad stand use cases, so I'm set. The only negative I can really think about the Reflex series case is that it doesn't provide water resistance, but there are splash proof cases available from other vendors if that's a requirement for you. Conclusion For those who are seeking a higher level of protection for their iPad 2 than can be accomplished by clothing it in most cases, the Reflex series case from OtterBox will make your day. If you think that you need even more protection, the company's $89.95 Defender case offers two layers of protection that keep your iPad 2 safe under just about any conditions. OtterBox makes fine products, and the Reflex case for iPad 2 is another example of the company's commitment to excellence in design and manufacturing. The case will be available within the next few weeks, and interested iPad owners can sign up to be notified when the site is open for ordering.
Daily Update for September 23, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes, which is perfect for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
Is Otterbox promising support for new two iPhone models? No.
Seen that banner ad (above) on the Otterbox website today? It's certainly creating quite the buzz. Is Otterbox promising the debut of two new iPhone models? It turns out that no, they're not. We gave Kelly Richardson of Otterbox a call today and she clarified the matter. "We're not even quite sure ourselves," she told TUAW, talking about whether there would be one model or two. She explained that the ad reflected the current conversations going on in the blogosphere. "Like many, we are watching the rumor sites and using information to plan ahead as much as we can." Otterbox promises support for whatever iPhone debuts, but they're emphatically not stating or leaking anything further. "We do not have any confidentiality agreements with Apple," Richardson told TUAW. As for those iPhone 4S Otterbox packaging photos that leaked yesterday, she explained, "What was circulating yesterday was not a case image for the iPhone 4S but a packaging design." Otterbox has not identified the source of the photos. In the end, is Otterbox sneaking a secret message to the people? Richardson said that is not what the banner intended to convey. "We hope to have a product available as soon as possible," she said, "although we do not yet have a date of availability."
