Because I know you all follow my posts like a kid following an ice cream truck, you’ll probably remember my review of the AL13 aluminum iPhone case by designed by m. Now, designed by m is back, funding on Kickstarter with its second version of the AL13. Designed by m boasts that the AL13 v2 will have ZERO signal loss.
One of the things that comes up every time I leave the country is how I’ll manage data while roaming this time. In the past, I’ve paid the $120 to AT&T to get 800MB international roaming data. This trip to Mobile World Congress, I did that data package on my iPhone, but I gave KnowRoaming a try on my iPad.
The other day someone was asking about the differences between the Lifeproof Nuud for iPhone 5S (see it here) and the Lifeproof Fre for the iPhone 5S (reviewed here). The Lifeproof Nuud is $10 more than the Fre but that’s not the only difference. I pulled out both of our review samples and took a look at them side-by-side.
We brought word of the new Plantronics BackBeat FIT yesterday and posted a first look video. (See it.) Judie spent some time with both colors of the new stereo Bluetooth headset at MWC 2014. They look great, have nice specs and, most importantly, the sound terrific. The BackBeat FIT arrives in April but you can check out the gallery now.
On the first day of Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona, Judie got a hands-on first look at the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Bluetooth iOS 7 controller. The controller works with iOS devices running 7.0 or higher, connects via Bluetooth and has a removable clip for holding your iPhone. It will run $80 when it arrives this April. Learn more.
Life is all about connection: connection to others, to oneself, and to the larger world. The same holds true for home audio. The more ways you can connect to one’s music the better. The Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200 offers big, awesome audio and more ways to get to your music than pretty much any other audio system.
If you want to record better audio with your iOS device, or have better-sounding videos shot with an iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to check out the new Zoom iQ5. Designed specifically for iOS devices with a Lightning connector, it adds a great-quality microphone to your mobile device for under $100. Check out both our video demos of the iQ5.
Any time I know that I’ll be away from an opportunity to charge my phone from a computer, AC, or DC outlet, I carry an extended battery pack with me along with least one charging cable. Lately I’ve been carrying the Moshi IonBank 5K; it has 5000 mAH, a built in Lightning cable and a built in USB charger.
When Pebble announced the new Pebble App Store I was intrigued. I was an original backer of the Pebble but sold mine when it came. I went out and picked up a new one and realized I needed to find a way to keep it from scratching. That’s where SlickWraps Pebble Watch Color Series Matte Black protection came in.
For years, professional photographers and filmmakers have been using light meters to tell them just how bright or dim the scene being recorded is but these handheld meters are rather pricey. The Luxi system from Extrasensory Devices is a diffusion dome attachment that clips on your iPhone and provides a very good, very affordable alternative to those expensive professional meters.
Here’s a rather neat smartphone accessory that is remarkably simple. USBFever’s Touch-Clip Silicone Stand is an inexpensive and low-profile stand that attaches to your smartphone’s back. When you need to prop the phone up you simply touch the stand in the middle and it pops into action. Best of all it is just $2.99.
I was long a fan of using the most minimalist iPhone case possible. And while I still love thin, light cases, I now lean more toward heavier cases with more personality. But were I using a super-thin case, Bodyguardz The Slim would be my case of choice. It’s inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and gets the job done.
The UE BOOM from Logitech is one of the standout portable Bluetooth speakers we have had the chance to review. The $199.99 speaker looks great, is tough as nails and, best of all, sounds awesome. Check out our review here and update news here. Just in time for Valentines Day you can customize the speaker.
I’ve long been a fan of Livescribe’s smartpens. I purchased the very first one and used it constantly. Updates to the hardware and software since then have been notable evolutionary steps forward. With the Livescribe 3 Smartpen, the device takes a huge leap forward, and in the process becomes an extension of your phone or tablet. It is awesome.
Dan likes to tease me that when we’re together working, he never sees me wearing headphones; he says he just doesn’t see me as the type person to wear them. Well Dan, I may use them differently than you do, but I most definitely do wear headphones. These days the Harman Kardon Soho headphones are my favorites; here’s why …
We received a marketing email from Case-Mate this morning that’s left me scratching my head. No, it’s not that they’re still pushing overpriced bedazzled cases, nor is it that they think the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift is an iPhone case; it’s that they imply case choices are very clearly gendered: men need rugged cases, but women want sparkly ones.
Every now and then a device accessory comes along that simply stands out in a crowded market. That is the case with the Flote M2 Tablet Stand we recently reviewed and it is the case with the Henge Dock Gravitas Lightning. Simply put, if you have an iOS device equipped with a Lightning connector this is the best dock around.
If you prefer a slider-style case for your iPhone 5S, then you’ll want to check out Bodyguardz Link. Available in six colors, the $29.95 case is a simple and stylish way to add color and protection to your iPhone 5S. Here’s a look at our CES 2014 review sample; stay tuned because we will be giving the sample away!
The other night I attended an event in NYC. I knew security would be tight — metal detectors, wanding etc- so I opted to bring only my wallet and my iPhone. Big mistake, since my iPhone was down to just 35% when I arrived. I truly wish I had brought the TYLT ENERGI 5K+ battery pack along for the evening.
The iPhone 5S shoots amazing video. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for audio. That’s where the Zoom iQ5 comes in. For under $100, the iQ5 plugs into any iOS device with a Lightning connector and captures impressively accurate audio. Using the free app makes it even better. Check out all the features and see it on video. The Zoom iQ5 comes in either black or white. The product tag line says it all- “Now your videos can sound as good as they look”. I hope it is true since this would be the ideal iOS accessory for shooting future…
I’ve tried several glass screen protectors, and I can say without reservation that they are my favorite type. What better way to interact with your glass touchscreen than by touching glass? What better way to protect your screen than by offering a surrogate when a sacrifice must be made? The $34.99 Ventev Toughglass is my latest test subject. Inside the package are a few items that you’re probably used to seeing come with all screen protectors — a small microfiber cloth and a squeegee. I been applying screen protectors to my devices since the early days, and I generally won’t use…