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Leaked teaser video shows off waterproof Galaxy S7, S7 Edge
Samsung isn't officially showing off its next flagship phone until the 21st, there's already a video of it available on a company YouTube channel. Imploring us to get ready for #TheNextGalaxy, the video shows off what we're guessing are the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. There's not much in the way of details and the design looks very close to the current S6 lineup, but a rainy segment would appear to confirm rumors of waterproofing. It also appears to have a flat back, confirming a Wall Street Journal report that it would ditch the protruding camera hump this time around.
Don't use Sony smartphones underwater
If you head on over to Sony's website today, the company will warn you not to use its Xperia smartphones while underwater. That might come as a surprise, especially as Sony has repeatedly touted the waterproof capabilities of its devices in the past. But really, you shouldn't be doing it. XperiaBlog points out that the handset maker is now taking additional measures to discourage the practice, and has updated its website to help customers avoid making a costly mistake while at the pool.
With this rugged speaker, sound takes a backseat to accessories
It takes a lot to get me excited about a Bluetooth speaker these days. Although subpar sound quality plagued early devices, newer models offer both good looks and solid audio. Even so, most of the current offerings are same-y; unremarkable. Now, a company called Braven has found a way to evolve the Bluetooth speaker even further, with a large selection of rugged wireless speakers. The BRV-PRO was unveiled earlier this year at CES, and while it certainly looks the part of a weatherproof speaker, it's the optional accessories that make it most compelling -- everything from a solar charging panel to a mount for your action camera. As you can imagine, though, those extras add up quickly. I spent some time with the $150 speaker and the various extras to find out if Braven's latest is worth it.
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker blasts tunes without your phone
If you want a vacation from your smartphone but still need tunes, a Bluetooth speaker called Drifter may be just the gadget. Yes, the rugged, waterproof and buoyant model is aimed at the boating and beach crowd, but there are already plenty of wireless speakers with those qualities. What makes it unique is the customized Android OS, touchscreen and 16GB of storage, which lets you leave your fragile smartphone in a drawer. At the same time, when you're at home or within range of a WiFi or Bluetooth network, it'll stream music like a regular Bluetooth speaker.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active heads to AT&T with extra battery power
Samsung's Galaxy S6 broke cover last month and today AT&T revealed its exclusive grip on the rugged device. The IP-68 rated dustproof and water and shock resistant handset packs a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display that touts a whopping 577 PPI to handle your swipes through Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop). Inside, a 64-bit Octa-core processor and 32GB of internal storage do the heaving lifting with 16-megapixel rear-facing and 5-megapixel front-facing cameras for photo duties. In addition to staying dry in depths of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, the S6 Active also packs in a beefy 3,500mAh battery. That's significantly larger than the battery inside the regular Galaxy S6. And yes, when it does run down, you can juice up with wireless charging accessories or make use of the Fast Charging option to charge to 50 percent in around half an hour.
HTC's Butterfly 3 makes you wonder why the M9 exists
Here's yet another case of "Japan gets all the nice things." Earlier today, local carrier au by KDDI announced its smartphone lineup for the summer, and the one that caught our attention was the new HTC J Butterfly (HTV31), which will no doubt be entering other markets as the Butterfly 3. With the centered 13-megapixel selfie camera and subtle front-side BoomSound stereo speakers, this new phone shares a similar face with the Desire Eye and the Desire 826; except its 5.2-inch screen has a much sharper Quad HD resolution. The familiar Duo Camera feature on the back (for bokeh plus filter effects) is here to stay, though for some bizarre reason, the secondary camera is placed below its 20.2-megapixel counterpart instead of above it, meaning you'll have to be more careful with where you place your index finger while holding the phone.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active breaks cover with an expectedly rugged look
If you're looking for a phone with great specs that can be tossed around and survive a swim, Samsung's Galaxy S6 Active appears to be on the way. Both GSM Arena and trusted leaker @evleaks offered a glimpse of the forthcoming handset today, one that features an outer shell similar to last year's version. Like previous Active models, a trio of hardware buttons reside on the front, so don't expect the same fingerprint scanner found on both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. They do have to be waterproof, after all. Other than a look at both sides, details remain scarce besides save for word that the S6 Active packs a 3,500 mAh battery. If history is any indication, you can expect similar specs to the flagship while being both shock resistant and dustproof, as this handset will be built to withstand a bit more stress.
Mophie's latest iPhone battery case is waterproof, too
Mophie's cases are a popular choice for adding some extra minutes to your mobile device's battery life. While the company already had both charging and storage options for the iPhone 6, it how offers protection from water damage, too. The H2PRO accessory not only packs in an additional 2,750 mAh battery, but it's waterproof as well. An IP-68 rated Otterbox-esque design also protects the handset from dirt and drops with easy access to those side-mounted controls and a mute switch. Worried about Touch ID? Mophie's scratch-resistant membrane that covers the screen will still allow you to leverage that feature. What's more, priority-charging tech makes sure your phone charges before the case when plugging in is unavoidable. If you're itchin' to snag one, the Mophie H2PRO is available for pre-order now for $130 and it's schedule to ship later this month. Unfortunately, there's no word on an iPhone 6 Plus option just yet.
Splash Drone shrugs off water and launches rescue flares
When drone meets water, the videos can be amazing -- except that most drones hate water and can't even be flown in the rain. However, there's a new product on Kickstarter called the Splash Drone that isn't deterred by a little H20. The drone itself is waterproof, as are the circuits, wires and GPS, letting you land and take off from fresh or salt water. The creators (who were responsible for the Mariner Drone product) also built a waterproof gimbal, so that all you need to film around water is a GoPro camera in a waterproof housing. The Splash Drone isn't the only waterproof model out there, but it can pull off a few other unique tricks.
Braven's BRV-PRO modular speaker is a camper's delight
A Swiss Army knife and a Leatherman. Both of those items are capable of performing a number of tasks while remaining compact and easily packable. But what if the portable speaker that provides your campsite with tunes could do multiple things? Well, Braven's BRV-PRO can not only recharge your phone or tablet, but also its smattering of add-ons provide light, extend battery life, juice up the gadget with the sun's rays and more. The speaker is still fairly small despite its modular aspirations, so it won't take up much space in your backpack. If you splurge for the full collection of accessories though, the entire setup demands a slightly larger pocket, but they're all flat and should stow easily.
AudioFlood's waterproof iPod is a swimmer's music dream come true
Swimming in an incredible form of exercises, especially as you age, but there's one problem for people like myself who use exercise time to work through podcasts and records you'd like to check out. Namely, it's really difficult to listen to music underwater. Thankfully for the sound obsessed swimming fans of the world, AudioFlood's waterproof iPod shuffle is a nearly perfect way to experience your tunes underwater. Utilizing the latest generation of iPod shuffle, the AudioFlood iPod has 15 hours of battery life, 2GB of storage (enough space for over 500 songs), and is depth rated to 200 ft. We tried it at a depth of 6 ft at an indoor pool because it's winter, but the device worked with no problems. Even when you're underwater, iPod shuffle features like the VoiceOver button that tells you song title, playlist name or battery status work like a charm. Included with the MP3 player are wonderful short cord headphones, six earpiece options to guarantee the perfect fit, an extension cable, a USB charger/sync cable, and a swim cap. I found attaching the device to the swimcap with the iPod's clip provided a secure swimming experience without ever coming loose. The short cord headphones allow you to swim without getting tangled in a mess of cords, and we commend AudioFlood for removing this possible drowning hazard. Getting used to the earbuds takes a little getting used to but if you think of them as normal swimmers earplugs you'll be enjoying your tunes in no time. Make sure you're using the proper size of earbud, as sound quality will suffer if you don't put them in just right. Sound quality for music will largely depend on the quality of your files, but listening to 320KB MP3s brought me my favorite tunes loud and clear. In my testing spoken word audio sounded better than recorded music, but the differences were mostly negligible. The only real downside of the AudioFlood iPod is the iPod Shuffle itself. Apple's VoiceOver feature makes navigating possible, but if you're looking for a specific song or podcast episode it's going to take awhile for you to find it. That's a minor complaint though. In the grand scheme of things, it's not much of a sacrifice to give up a little bit of speed when looking for content if means you can listen to music underwater. Should you somehow lose the device while you're swimming it will keep working, even after being sunk underwater by itself. Our test unit was stored in a sink of water for hours on end, only to still work when pulled out. Here's a photo of our testing rig: You can get the main AudioFlood bundle for around $140, which gives you a case, swimming cap, headphones, different sizes of earbuds, and the device itself. It's handy for keeping track of everything and only marginally more expensive than the $125 it costs for the device itself. Ultimately, it's a small price to pay for the ability to swim while "Under the Sea" or "Beyond the Sea" blasts through your ears... whether you choose the tune to be Disney or Bobby Darin is up to you. This is the perfect gift for the swimmers in your life, whether they're practicing for the Olympics, exercising, or just blowing off some steam in the pool. Couple its wonderful functionality with AudioFlood's two-year warranty and they'll be swimming in tunes for a long time to come.
Contour's first new action camera in years can survive 30 feet underwater
Contour came back from the dead this spring, but the first action cameras it sold upon its revival were simply old models from 2012 -- that's not much help if you're a loyal fan looking to upgrade. As of today, though, there's finally a brand new Contour cam to buy: meet the ROAM3. It's not a huge break from the ROAM2 at first glance, as it can still record 1080p video at 30fps (720p video at 60fps) with its 270-degree rotating lens. However, it's much more resilient than its ancestor; it can survive 30 feet underwater without using a waterproof case, which could make it a good match for your next surfing movie. It's hard to say if the ROAM3 can lure you away from GoPro's offerings, but its $200 price (which includes an 8GB memory card and two mounts) is low enough that it won't hurt too much to give Contour another try.
The Apple Watch isn't waterproof
Well, that's a bit of a bummer. Given coatings like Liquipel, I'm a bit surprised to learn via David Pogue's article that the Apple Watch will be water resistant, but not waterproof. As Apple explained to Pogue, you can wear the watch in the rain, and it doesn't mind your sweat, but before you shower or jump in the pool you'll need to remove it. Considering products like the Pebble promise full protection from the water, it's a little weird. Then again, it's not unheard of for expensive watches to be less than waterproof. But why have a "sport" model that you can't swim with?
Catalyst Case for iPhone 5 / 5s provides rugged, waterproof protection
Last year I reviewed the now defunct Griffin Survivor + Catalyst iPhone case. This year, Catalyst Lifestyle is now a stand-alone company with an updated range of cases. I had the opportunity to try out the Catalyst Waterproof Stealth Black case for iPhone 5 / 5S (US$64.99). Design The Catalyst Waterproof is 13.2 mm thick, 134.3 mm tall, 67.2 mm wide (0.52" x 5.29" x 2.65"). It weighs 41 grams (1.4 Oz). It obviously adds a bit of bulk to your iPhone, but it is less bulky than the model I reviewed last year. Catalyst has got rid of the large latches that locked last year's case in place. The Catalyst Waterproof simply fits together by snapping the case front into the case itself. The case provides IP68 protection from water and dust, and will protect your iPhone in up to 5 meters (16.4 ft) of water. It's also given the 810G military standard rating for protection from shocks and drops up to 2m (6.6ft). Performance My iPhone fit snugly into the Catalyst Waterproof without a hitch. All features of my iPhone, including Touch ID worked perfectly, though it is recommended that you rescan your fingerprint with the iPhone in the case to get an exact image. In terms of operating my iPhone, the only small adjustment was having to press down on the screen a little bit harder than I normally would for it to register. Make sure you push the iPhone right down into the case to make sure there's good contact between your iPhone's screen and the case screen. As with last year's review, the Catalyst Waterproof comes with strict instructions for testing the case before submerging it in water. However, things have been simplified significantly. There's still an O-ring that is essentially the waterproof seal for the case. You need to make sure this ring is sitting properly within the case and that it is not twisted in any way. Catalyst provides full instructions on its website. Aside from that and making sure the charger port / audio jack plug is closed, you're good to go. I performed Catalyst's recommended test and found no water penetration into the case. If your iPhone was to go for an unexpected swim, the Catalyst Waterproof case will make sure not a drop gets in. In terms of protection from knocks and drops, the Catalyst Waterproof provides excellent, all round protection. If your iPhone was to take a tumble, knock or drop, you can rest assured that the case provides significant protection. Conclusion The Catalyst Waterproof's slimmer form-factor and easier operation makes it a solid option for those who want a high level of protection for their iPhone with the least amount of additional bulk. For everyday protection -- or even specific occasions where you know your iPhone will be at particular risk of damage -- the Catalyst Waterproof is definitely worth considering.
Kobo's Aura H20 lets you read in the bath
With Barnes and Noble reduced to borrowing Samsung tablets and Sony giving up altogether, only Kobo stands in the way of Amazon's total e-book domination. Now, the company is hoping to steal a march on its rival by introducing the first waterproof e-reader, the Aura H2O (assuming you don't count Waterfi, and we aren't). It's the first such device that's IP67 certified, meaning that it'll last under a meter of water for up to half an hour if the port cover is closed. The display is the same size as the Aura HD, offering a 6.8-inch touch-enabled e-ink display with ComfortLight tech, offering a resolution of 1,430 x 1,080 and a pixel density of 265 dpi. Like its brethren, it does come with Pocket integration, enabling you to read long form web content away from your tablet or smartphone. There's 4GB of on-board storage and a microSD slot if you want to add in a 32GB card, as well as a battery that's rated for two months of use -- if you only use it for 30 minutes a day, of course. The Kobo Aura H2O will be available on October 1st, priced at $180 in the US/Canada, £140 in the UK and €180 in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
HTC's latest J Butterfly is a supercharged One M8 in a waterproof body
Japanese carrier KDDI has just announced a new HTC J Butterfly, a handset which resembles the HTC One in specs, but with features aimed at KDDI's home market. Like a lot of other Japanese devices, the 5-inch, full HD handset is waterproof in case you feel like taking fish photos. And to do so, the latest from HTC has brand new cameras: a 13-megapixel rear dual-camera model with a selfie-friendly 5-megapixel front shooter. That differs from the One M8's 4-megapixel Duo "Ultrapixel" camera. KDDI instead calls it a "Duo Effect" camera, with the secondary 2-megapixel module giving depth-of-field adjustment and other features. Filling out the spec sheet are a Snapdragon 801, 802.11ac WiFi, LTE-Advanced, 150Mbps 4g, 2GB of RAM, Android 4.4 KitKat, JBL audio profile (plus bundled earphones) and a Dot View case. All of that sounds pretty nice, but will it come to US shores? Hard to say, but the last J Butterfly model did eventually arrive as the Droid DNA (to Verizon), so we wouldn't be surprised to see the new model here too.
Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O waterproof Bluetooth speaker perfect for summer fun
Summer is almost here, which means days at the beaches or by the lake listening to all of your favorite tunes. And you want to share that music with friends, right? Schosche has introduced the boomBOTTLE H2O waterproof Bluetooth speaker (US$99.99), and one lucky TUAW reader will win this speaker just in time for summer fun. Specifications Dimensions: 2.87 inches in diameter x 4.5 inches tall (72.9 mm diam. x 114.3 mm) Weight: 10.6 ounces (300 grams) Waterproof up to 30 minutes in one meter of water Ports: micro-USB for charging, AUX-in Colors: Gray, Yellow, Blue Design Highlights The cylindrical shape of the boomBOTTLE H2O is designed to fit perfectly in most bike bottle holders, although as TUAW writer Erica Sadun found out with an earlier model, you might incur the wrath of other bikers if you cruise the local paths while pounding out tunes. The boomBOTTLE H2O is so named because of its waterproof abilities. You can dunk it underwater for up to 30 minutes, and the device even floats. There are three switches on it: a power/pairing switch and a pair of volume switches. On the back of the speaker is a tiny waterproof door hiding a micro-USB port as well as a jack for connecting non-Bluetooth devices. The entire speaker is wrapped in a tough rubberized material, and it has some ridging to make it easier to grab onto when wet. All-in-all, the boomBOTTLE H2O is well-designed in terms of being able to take abuse. Functionality Highlights While I was impressed with the toughness of the boomBOTTLE H2O, I didn't find its sound quality to be all that great -- at least indoors. Oddly enough, when I took the speaker outside, it sounded better to me than when it was sitting on my desk. It's about half the price of some competing speakers like the Jawbone Mini Jambox and Beats Pill. While the boomBOTTLE H2O makes a great rough and tumble outdoor speaker, the sound just reminded me of an AM -- lacking depth and bass. It's fine on the high end, which is somewhat expected given the size (50 mm) of the one speaker. One other caveat. If you need a speaker that can also act as a speakerphone, this isn't going to do the job for you. It will last for about 8 hours on a single charge, which is pretty darned good. Conclusion On the plus side of the equation, the Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O is a very tough waterproof speaker that can take a lot of abuse and play all day. On the negative side, the sound -- albeit quite loud -- is somewhat tinny and lacks bass punch, and the device can't be used as a speakerphone. Rating: 2-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Get ready for tunes by the pool, TUAW readers! We're giving away a Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O, and all you have to do is fill out the form below to enter. 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 May 20, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O valued at $99.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
LifeProof frē for iPad mini with Retina display: Overprotective, but that's a good thing
When picking out a case for your tablet, you typically have to choose between all-encompassing protection or ease of use, and these two groups rarely overlap. But sometimes they do, and in that thin sliver where form and function marry, there's the LifeProof frē case. Specs Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.8" x 0.63" Weight: 0.29 lbs Waterproof up to 6.6 ft Price: US$99.99 Design I love nearly everything about my iPad mini w/ Retina, but most of all I love the design. It's tiny, sleek, and eye-catching, so if I'm going to slap a case on it, I want it to fit that aesthetic as closely as possible. LifeProof's claims that "You may forget it's there!" are a bit silly, but all-told, the case stays out of the way enough that I wouldn't mind keeping it equipped permanently. The front of the case is of course transparent, but unlike many cases, this is mirrored on the back of the case as well. The edges of the case are thicker thanks to the rubber bumper that keeps the case locked shut and provides a water-tight seal and protection from bumps, but with just two thin membranes on the front and back, the iPad retains its thinner-than-thin feel. Small loopholes are located on all four corners allowing you to equip the included lanyard in a number of different ways, and a small door on the bottom of the case provides direct access to the Lightning port for charging. Functionality Touchscreen functionality is of course the most important thing of all, and it works nearly perfectly through the frē's front cover. Taps and swipes are registered promptly and I didn't notice any missed touches. I do, however, have a mild complaint with the plastic membrane itself in that it doesn't lay perfectly flat on all areas of the screen. In the corners especially, the membrane tends to lift off of the screen ever so slightly, creating a strange "bubbly" feeling when pressing down. It's not necessarily troublesome, but it's definitely noticeable, and may take a little bit of getting used to if you use a particularly light touch when navigating Another plus for the LifeProof frē case is that it allows all external buttons to be used just as intended. The click-through buttons on the top and over the volume controls work well despite being housed in the thick bumper, and an external lock switch carries your commands through to the built-in button on the iPad beneath. After a dip in the sink, the water resistant properties of the case held true, though it's not recommended past a depth of 6.6 feet and I certainly wasn't about to test that. I could see it being a lot of fun during a day at the beach, and the case is small enough that it wouldn't be a bother. Conclusion The LifeProof frē lives up to its billing as an ultra-thin case with ultra-protective properties, and if your iPad mini is regularly in danger from bumps, falls, or up to 6 feet of water, I can't imagine you'd find a case better suited to your needs. Rating: 3.5 out of 4 possible stars Giveaway Taking your iPad on a hike or trip to the lakeside? How about a LifeProof frē for free? 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 13 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 10th, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a LifeProof frē case for iPad mini w/Retina valued at $99.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Oh the places you'll go with the SnowLizard SLXtreme 5 case
Since I work in a rather mundane office setting, I love slim, tiny iPhone cases that protect against scratches and not much else. But if I'm on a camping trip or spending the day at the beach or on a hike, a practically non-existent level of protection doesn't really cut it anymore. The SLXtreme 5 case from SnowLizard was made for those trips, and for people who require an almost obnoxious amount of armor on their iPhones. Specs Height: 151 mm Width: 70.5 mm Depth: 24.8 mm Weight: 150g Price: US$149.99 Design The SLXtreme 5 is top-of-the-line protection, so a bulky form factor is the trade-off. At almost 25 mm thick, it more than triples the thickness of the iPhone 5/5s, not to mention increasing the weight by over 100%. But you're not getting this kind of a case so that it can easily slip into a handbag or slide in the back pocket of your jeans -- you're getting it so you can drop it on a rock and not worry if it's coming back in one piece. The case is not only made for protection, but also provides an external battery backup that can be charged via USB or from the built-in solar panel situated on the back of the shell. The battery can store a charge of 2,550 mAh which, in theory, can recharge your iPhone 1.5 times, though in practice it's slightly less than that. The iPhone slides in from the top of the case and a large clasp buckles down to ensure a waterproof seal. A locking door on the bottom of the case provides access to the charging port, while a second plug reveals the audio jack. The case allows full use of the home button -- though sadly no TouchID functionality is provided -- as well as access to the volume controls and lock button. A lanyard is provided along with the case, which can be connected to the loop on the bottom, just in case your iPhone has a tendency to fall off of mountains or something. Functionality As an extended battery case, the SLXtreme 5 works splendidly, and the solar charge is a neat addition. Because the solar panel is relatively small, it doesn't provide enough power to make it a viable option when recharging your device when there is a USB port handy. In an emergency situation it would be an absolute life-saver, and having the ability to suck a few minutes of juice from the sun is a fantastic feature, but it's more of a safety net than a daily-use feature. The case itself feels extremely solid and it can certainly take a reasonable fall without issue. All of the locking doors feel sturdy there's really nothing about the case that I would change from a protection standpoint. And then there's the waterproofing... The shell is rated as being water resistant up to 2m (6 ft), which is enough that you could take it to the beach and not worry about rolling waves. The retail box even suggests taking underwater photos with the case equipped, which is a really cool option, though the icy lakes here in southern Wisconsin wouldn't let me test this out first-hand. I did, however, fill my sink with water, close my eyes, and throw my iPhone into it, and it emerged unscathed. Cases like this can sometimes hinder use of the device itself, but I was pleasantly surprised with how easily I was able to accomplish just about every iPhone task I'm used to. The one sticking point I have is that it's nigh impossible to do the bottom-up swipe on the touchscreen that activates the control center in iOS. The thickness of the case makes it extremely difficult to pull this gesture off, which is a bit of a letdown, as I tend to use the control center quite often. Conclusion SnowLizard has produced the cream of the crop for iPhone users seeking a high level of protection. The SLXtreme 5 is durable, well-made, and the added battery and solar charging features make it the ultimate multi-purpose accessory. The minor functionality limitations hold it back from being absolutely perfect, but it's very close. Rating: 3.5 stars out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway If you're prone to dropping your iPhone off cliffs or in the toilet, then you want to enter this giveaway for an SLXtreme 5 case. 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 13 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before March 25, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an SLXtreme 5 case for iPhone 5/5s valued at $149.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
LifeProof frē for iPad Air: Saving your tablet from real life
LifeProof's frē case for iPad Air just what the doctor ordered if you're one of those people who uses your tablet in conditions that would void your warranty in a heartbeat. If you need a totally water- and shock-proof case for your device, read on -- and you'll have a chance to win a LifeProof frē at the end of this post. Specifications Price: US$109.99 (Total Water Protection Program warranty available for an additional $20) Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 10.3" (1.778 x 18.796 x 26.162 cm) Weight: .48 lbs (.218 kg.) Standards: Sealed from dirt & dust particles – meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating. Sealed from snow & ice – meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating. Withstands drops from 4' / 1.2 m – meets or exceeds MIL STD 810F-516 Waterproof Rating: Fully submergible to 6.6' / 2 m for 1 hour Design Highlights This polycarbonate case is now clear on both sides, meaning that you could theoretically take photos or videos with your iPad Air while snorkeling -- just don't go more than 6.6 feet below the water's surface. As with the other LifeProof cases, the frē has a watertight O-ring that runs around the inside of the case. The two halves snap together tightly to keep dust, snow and water out, and there are pass-through switches or closable covers over all ports. One nice feature is that the front clear plastic cover now has a "dish" right where the home button is, making it easier for users to get tactile feedback while using their devices. Another welcome addition is the inclusion of a plastic tool for prying the halves of the case apart. If you've ever tried to open a LifeProof case with your hands alone, you'll know why I'm happy about this move. For a water/snow/dust-proof iPad case, the LifeProof frē is surprisingly thin at 0.7". It's great to see that case manufacturers are trying to do their best to make ultra-protective cases as thin as they can. Looks-wise, the frē is rather "meh". I'd like to see them offer a yellow sports model or something red, anything but the basic boring black and white. Functionality Highlights I installed the LifeProof frē on my iPad Air and found it to be much easier to put on than earlier versions of the case. The removal tool also sped things up when taking the case back off -- there's no longer a need to wrestle with the case to remove it. While I did not submerge the iPad Air in water to test the waterproofing (AOL doesn't insure my personal equipment from water damage...), I did the standard test that LifeProof recommends -- that involves putting the case into water for 30 minutes and then checking for leaks. The frē passed the check with flying colors (note that we have had some cases that leaked during testing, none of them being LifeProof cases). I was pretty surprised with how well sound emanated from the frē; it sounded just as loud as if it wasn't in a totally sealed case. And photos taken with the frē installed on the iPad Air showed no degradation due to the extra layer of protection over the camera lens. Conclusion If you regularly find yourself using your iPad Air in the rain or snow, on the beach, or in the hot tub, then buy the LifeProof frē and keep your Air protected at all times. The case is remarkably well-built, easy to install and remove, and is probably the thinnest waterproof case on the market to date. The only thing missing? A more exciting color scheme. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway If you're going to the beach for Spring Break in the next couple of weeks, then you want to enter this giveaway for a LifeProo frē. 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 13 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before March 14, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a LifeProof frē case for iPad Air valued at $109.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
