When we go to CES one of our favorite “stops” is the Kensington suite where we get to see what new items they are cooking up. There’s always something notable. Last night I had an additional chance to see what’s new at the company and the answer is- a whole lot. I saw a few notable items that can extend your mobile experience and we are looking forward to getting our hands on them for review.
For the time being, though, lets take a look from afar.
The first new accessory is the BungeeAir. Imagine taking an external battery case for the iPhone and putting in some additional electronics that lets you know if you move too far from your iPhone or, more problematic, it moves too far from you. That’s what the BungeeAir is all about. The case has a sensor that tethers it to a key fob. You can set the distance to “close” or “far” and then, if that distance it hit, the key fob starts to vibrate AND the iPhone gets locked. That’s security.
It also works the other way. If you can’t find your keys you can fire up the special iOS app and the key fob will start pinging until you find it.
It is a nice device and with iOS devices costing as much as they do, and carrying as much of our personal and business lives on them as they do, you can never be too safe! The $99 battery case, or the $79 soft-shell with tether are a small price to pay for insurance.
Oh, and true to form, Kensington added a little bonus to the battery case in the form of a slit in the back that, when combined with a credit card, makes a perfect stand for FaceTime or video. 
Kensington® Extends its Leadership in Security to Smartphones; Innovative BungeeAir Keeps Phones and Content Secure 70 million Phones are Lost Annually; New BungeeAir™ Cases Protect Against Theft or Loss
Redwood Shores, Calif. – September 15, 2011 – Kensington today introduced a groundbreaking new approach to mobile security, the BungeeAir™ wireless tether and case for iPhone. After evaluating the significant problem of phone theft or loss (reported at 30% or 70 million lost annually in the US alone[1]), Kensington extended its leadership in physical security —fusing hardware and software together to protect an iPhone. BungeeAir helps avoid the risk of losing the phone and its contents by protecting and securing it in a manner that is easy, portable, and stylish. Whether inadvertently left behind in a taxi or if fast hands attempt to take it away in a restaurant or office, BungeeAir quickly alerts the owner when a phone is at risk to provide a first line of defense against loss of the device or data.
It takes only moments to forget or lose a mobile phone, but research shows that critical minutes can pass before an owner will notice. Startling statistics from a recent YouGov study[2] show: Men are more likely than women to notice their mobile phone missing in less than 15 minutes (40% men vs. 29% women) 28% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 would notice their mobile phone missing within five minutes Only 13% of respondents ages 55 or older would realize their mobile phone was missing within five minutes
The first of what will be a family of products, the two new Kensington BungeeAir™ cases combine software and hardware to physically and digitally secure an iPhone. BungeeAir™ is a wireless tether for the iPhone comprised of a downloadable software application and a small remote fob, which can be attached to a key chain or carried in a pocket. The two components maintain an active wireless connection. Stretching the connection to its limit triggers an audible alert from the fob, and instantly activates password protection to secure the iPhone and prevent access to data or content. The BungeeAir fob, powered by two coin size batteries, has a battery life of up to six months—making the solution simple, effective and low maintenance.
BungeeAir’s digital tether can be adjusted by the user to sound the alert and trigger password protection at a short or long distance (an average of 50 feet depending on the environment) to be effective in a variety of environments. With the power of two-way communications between fob and installed software, the BungeeAir can also be used to locate a missing iPhone using the fob with a convenient “find me” feature. The BungeeAir™ Wireless Tether & Battery Case includes a 1500mAh battery built-into a slim protective case to provide hours of extended talk time, web surfing, FaceTime, video watching and more. Kensington’s BungeeAir™ Wireless Tether Adapter & Case includes a 30-pin compatible adapter for the iPhone, the wireless tether fob, and a soft rubberized protective case for the iPhone 4.
“BungeeAir represents what we mean by smart, safe, simple products,” said Dan Torres, Senior Director of Global Product Management at Kensington. “The smart way to keep your iPhone safe is to simply keep it with you. With so much at stake if you lose your phone, Kensington wants to focus on preventing the loss from happening in the first place. BungeeAir is a muli-layered platform for iPhone, and is only the beginning of our plans to extend our leadership in digital security. Kensington pioneered the ‘first line of defense’ for physical laptop security and eventually we want to bring our customers that value for a variety of different mobile devices.”
[showhide]
Introducing the Kensington BungeeAir™ Wireless Security Tether & Cases Kensington BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ & Battery for iPhone (K39291US; SRP $99.99): BungeeAir™ is the essential 3-in-1 accessory for iPhone—wireless tether, case and battery. Just place the iPhone into the battery case and attach the BungeeAir Fob to your keys or purse and never lose or forget your iPhone again. When you and your phone are separated, the battery case sends a command the iPhone, instantly password locks the screen, and sends an alert to the BungeeAir Fob. A convenient app lets you customize security settings. Finding a misplaced iPhone is now easier than ever—one press of a button on the BungeeAir Fob rings the battery case on the iPhone.
• Pocketable BungeeAir fob attaches to your keys or handbag
• Free BungeeAir app gives you control of the wireless tether functionality and settings
• Integrated battery case provides 4 additional hours of power to your iPhone 4
• Case has a built-in innovative stand slot to hold your iPhone 4 in landscape mode with any credit card
• Charge and sync with battery case
• Battery Capacity: 1500mAh
• Wireless technology: 2.4 GHz
Kensington BungeeAir™ Protect Wireless Security Tether for iPhone (K39386US; SRP $79.99):
BungeeAir™ is the essential accessory for your iPhone with a wireless tether and case. Simply attach the BungeeAir adapter to your iPhone 30-pin connector to enable two-way communication and attach the BungeeAir fob to your keys or purse. When you and your phone are separated, the adapter sends a command the iPhone, instantly password locks the screen, and sends an alert to the BungeeAir fob. A convenient app lets you customize security settings and also find your misplaced keys and fob. The sleek, slim case protects the back and sides while allowing full access to all iPhone controls and headphone jack.
• Pocketable BungeeAir fob attaches to your keys or handbag
• Adapter attaches to iPhone 30-pin connector to enable two-way communication
• Free BungeeAir app gives you control of the wireless tether functionality and settings
• Sleek, slim case protects the back and sides of your iPhone
• Charge and sync with adapter connected
• Wireless technology: 2.4 GHz
Product Availability The Kensington BungeeAir™ Power cases for iPhone is currently available exclusively at Amazon.com until October 5, 2011. BungeeAir Protect will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and other major resellers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.
[/showhide]
Next up was the new Kensington SecureBack Security Cases for iPad 2. This was something I was personally thrilled to see. I’m hoping to start using iPads in my educational setting and this is just what I was looking for! The new security cases let you lock down the iPad 2 yet still have full access to the screen and controls. The case comes in two versions. One has a built-in stand while the other does not. You can also buy the case bundled with a security cable or on its own.
As the iPad finds its way into more and more schools and other institutions to market for an accessory like this will keep the pricey tools from walking off too quickly. Pricing starts at $49.99.
Kensington Delivers the Next Level of Physical Security for iPad 2 Extends the ClickSafe® Family of Security Products to Protect iPad® In Public Environments Redwood Shores, Calif. – September 15, 2011 -
Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide computing accessories provider for the mobile professional, today introduced a new line of ClickSafe® enabled security cases for the iPad 2. The new SecureBack™ Case uses Kensington’s smart. safe. simple.™ ClickSafe® technology to secure the iPad and prevent device and data theft.
The loss or theft of an iPad can result in severe consequences for users who rely on them—from lost productivity to replacement costs. The most serious compromise is the loss of sensitive personal and business data residing on iPad devices. Gartner projects that 80% of businesses will support a workforce using tablets[1] by 2013 and Kensington’s smart. safe. simple.™ approach to iPad 2 security ensures a smart first line of defense for tablet users wherever they go.
Kensington’s family of SecureBack cases features a unique three-piece design with a patent- pending rail system that quickly and easily secures the iPad to prevent theft. The case includes the world-class ClickSafe Security Anchor that enables iPad users to easily lock their tablet, in just one click. Designed to complement the iPad in every way, SecureBack preserves the tablet’s celebrated, slim form factor. SecureBack offers full access to the iPad 2’s ports, speaker, and cameras. The integrated security bar on each case can tilt the iPad for an ideal on-screen typing angle.
Kensington has introduced two versions of the SecureBack case. The first features one-click security in a sleek form factor ideal for handheld use. A second case adds a 2-way extendable stand with 20-degree typing angle and 60-degree landscape viewing angle. Both versions are available bundled with a ClickSafe lock and cable.
“We are excited to offer our customers the superior protection, ease and simplicity of our ClickSafe security system for a tablet computer,” said Brian Baltezore, Senior Global Product Manager at Kensington. “Tablet users need security that will complement, not hinder, their use of the iPad. SecureBack is a design that truly pays respect to the tablet’s style and functionality, so that when an iPad user inevitably does have to walk away from their device, they can do so with confidence.”
New Kensington SecureBack Security Cases for iPad 2
Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case (K39308; SRP $49.99): This version of SecureBack is ClickSafe “ready” via the built-in security anchor. Strength, security and elegant design come together in the SecureBack Security Case for iPad 2. A thin, yet strong three-piece construction protects the iPad with durable plastic while maintaining its sleek look and feel. The form-fitting design of the case resists prying to protect the iPad from being stolen and an adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor. SecureBack provides full access to all iPad 2 controls, buttons, ports and cameras.
Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way Stand (K39310; SRP $59.99): This version of the SecureBack case is ClickSafe “ready” via the built-in security anchor. In addition, the thin three-piece construction of the SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way stand protects your iPad 2. The durable plastic case maintains its sleek look and feel, while a 2-way extendable stand accommodates flexible iPad orientation. Use the stand in landscape mode for typing or portrait mode for viewing movies or surfing the web.
Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with ClickSafe Lock (K39309; SRP $79.99): Securing the iPad 2 on the go is easy with the SecureBack™ Security Case with ClickSafe Lock. The thin, yet strong three-piece construction combines into a durable plastic case for iPad, while preserving access to all controls, buttons, ports, and cameras. An adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor or covers it when not in use. The included ClickSafe Keyed Lock provides unparalleled ease of use to lock down the iPad 2 with just one click. ClickSafe’s advanced cable construction of 7×7 configuration is specifically used to combat thievery attempts, assuring that the tablet, and all of the data on it, are always secure.
Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way Stand & ClickSafe Lock (K39311; SRP $89.99): Achieve maximum productivity and superior security for your iPad 2 with the SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way stand & ClickSafe Lock. The thin, yet strong three-piece construction combines into a durable plastic case for iPad, while a 2-way extendable stand accommodates flexible iPad orientation for landscape or portrait viewing. An adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor and an included ClickSafe Keyed Lock provides unparalleled ease of use to safeguard the tablet at all times, with just one click.
The Kensington SecureBack Security Case line of products is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and other major retailers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.
Power on the go is increasingly important. We depend more and more on our mobile devices but battery life hasn’t improved all that much. The best solution we have right now is an external battery. Kensington’s AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger comes in. It offers plenty of juice, has some advanced electronics to ensure your devices charge fully and safely and it feels remarkably solid.
Introducing the Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger (K38080US; SRP $119.99)
The Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger provides 100 watts of power to charge your laptop and two USB devices simultaneously–triple charging guaranteed*. A perfect secondary or replacement charger is the smallest, lightest, most powerful charger in its class**. It is compatible with top-selling laptops and the two built-in USB ports offer 2.1 Amp capability for charging tablets and smartphones***.
Additional Features and Benefits Smart power technology senses and delivers the amount of power needed to charge your laptop–no more, no less. Smart tips are compatible with laptops from HP®, Compaq®, Dell®, Acer®, Toshiba®, Lenovo™, Samsung®, Sony®, Gateway® and ASUS® Two built-in USB power ports offer the capability for charging iPad 1 or 2, BlackBerry Playbook, and Samsung Galaxy tablets and iPhone, HTC Nexus One or HD2, Samsung Wave, Nokia N8, Sony Experia, Motorola Milestone 2, LG Quantum or eXpo, and Blackberry Torch phones Scratch resistant finish looks great under heavy use Detachable cord saves space and makes it convenient for travel
*Adapter can power a 100-watt laptop, or a 90-watt laptop and 10-watt mobile device. Guaranteed charging or your money back within 90 days of purchase. Visit warranty.kensington.com for more details.
**Compared with similar in-class power adapters
***Includes micro USB to USB adapterProduct Availability The Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger will be available in October at Amazon.com, Kensington.com, and other retailers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.
Finally, there is Kensington’s new KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10” Tablets. The included keyboard offers a fantastic typing experience and that is just the beginning. The keyboard is fully removable so you can use it up to 30 feet away or, if you know you won’t be using it, leave it at home while still using the folio to protect your tablet.
But there is more. The KeyFolio Pro now includes the word “Universal” There’s a reason for that. This folio isn’t designed for the original iPad but it works just fine with it. It isn’t designed for the iPad 2 but, again, it works just fine. And if you happen to have a 10″ Android tablet you are in luck because… the new KeyFolio Pro will work just fine with it.
The trick is that the tablet is held into the case with movable corner pieces that, in turn, stay in place thanks to the magic of Velcro. (Come on… you know you love Velcro as much as we do!!)
I would have expected this approach to be bulky and a bit unwieldy. Surprisingly while it is a bit more bulky than some other folios it felt quite nice and seemed like a great way to ensure you don’t spend $100 on a case that will be obsolete in a year or less.
And if you pull out the keyboard the tray it sits in will allow you to adjust the angle of your tablet.
Flip it around and you have a nice package that lets you use your tablet as… a tablet. I spend some time with the KeyFolio and came away impressed.
Kensington Launches New KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10” Tablets
September 15, 2011
Kensington, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple. ™ accessories is pleased to introduce a new edition to its celebrated family of KeyFolio keyboard cases, the Kensington KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10” Tablets. The keyboard and case is compatible with 10” tablet computers manufactured by Acer®, Motorola®, Samsung® and more.
The KeyFolio™ Pro Universal features a removable Bluetooth keyboard designed for tablet users to easily set up an ergonomic workstation on the go. Included StrongFit™ custom corners ensure that no matter what type of 10” tablet you use, you stay connected to the applications you need to get work done.
Kensington also expands its popular collection of Virtuoso Styluses with the new Virtuoso™ Metro Stylus and Pen for Tablets. Capturing ideas on the go is easy with the Virtuoso Metro— it takes content creation to the next level and makes a perfect complement to apps for tablet users.
Check out all the neat new products on the Kensington website.
Related posts:
Griffin Announces Kid-Friendly Accessories at CES 2013
Waterfield SFBags Announces the CitySlicker for iPad and iPad mini
Sonos Announces the Play:3 the Newest Addition to the Sonos Family
Tablet Accessory News: VOGELS “Ringo Mounting System” for iPad, iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab
Using a Tablet as In-Car Entertainment? Make Sure It Is Crash Tested with ProClip USA
Proof of How Deeply Tablets Have Already Penetrated…
Ten One Design Introduces Particle iPad Case With Integrated Pogo Sketch Holder
Pelican ProGear Sport Backpacks Let You Carry, and Protect, Your Gear
