Apple iPhone Gear

Libratone Zipp Named a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree

The Libratone Zipp a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree In that arena of “cool gear”, one of the biggest surprises for me this year has been the Libratone Zipp. When it arrived, I was struck by its unusual appearance; it is a cylindrical column. I was also taken by its design flexibility thanks to the interchangeable wool covers. Yes, the Zipp can be “dressed” to match pretty much any decor. But it wasn’t until I went to listen to the Zipp, that I was blown away. The speaker is rather small, but it pumps out huge, excellent…

Reviews

JBL Micro 2 Rechargeable Portable Speaker Review

Your iPhone’s speaker stinks, and so does your iPad’s; even the iPad mini’s stereo speakers, a first for an iOS device, are crappy. And your Android devices? They don’t really do much better. Yes, for a quick YouTube video or conversation the speaker on your mobile device is certainly adequate but it’s not going to win any audiophile prizes. And while you could keep a larger speaker such as the JawBone in your gear bag, that takes up space and adds weight. That’s where this diminutive speaker from JBL comes in. The JBL Micro 2 is small, light, and can…

Reviews

Belkin Car Charger with Lightning Connector for iPhone 5 Review

Those of us who use Apple’s mobile products have entered into a transitional period. The devices we had prior to this fall all use the company’s 30-pin dock connector but, as you likely know, all of their new products use a much smaller, and thankfully reversible, connector. If you have old cables, it means you either need to buy new ones or get one of Apple’s pricey adapters if you want to charge on the go. Thankfully Belkin has been first to step in and release new products that use the updated connector. They sent me one of their Car…

Reviews

SMS STREET by 50 DJ Over-the-Ear Headphones Review

Back in June we reviewed the SMS Audio Street by 50 Wired Headphones. (Read the review.) I was impressed by both the comfort and the sound. I summarized them with “What I Like: Well-made; Stay in the ear nicely; In-line controller; Flat, tangle-free cable; Sound great”. Since then SMS Audio has greatly expanded their offerings which now include their SMS STREET by 50 DJ over-the-ear headphones. They are big, bold and make a statement. I’ve been using a pair for the last few weeks, so let’s take a look. I’m usually a fan of in-ear or on-ear headphones more than…

Reviews

Epson Expression Premium XP-800 Small-in-One Printer Review

I haven’t been all too interested in printers for the last year and a half or so. The reason for this is quite simple — I have been making a concerted effort to be as “paperless” as possible. Thanks to my iPhone, iPad and the various apps that are now available for them, there is little I actually NEED to print. And on those rare occasions when I DO need something printed out … I just send an email to my assistant and ask her to print it using her laser printer. The result? I don’t have or need a…

Music Diary, Reviews

iRig Keys iOS/USB Keyboard Controller Review

Keyboard controllers are not a new concept – soon after MIDI became a standard, sound modules were released that allowed you to access the sounds of a synthesizer without all of the other hardware bulk or expense. It also allowed for keyboards offering a robust piano-like feel, or guitar-like portability – all while bringing along the great sounds offered by the hot synths of the day. As we have gotten to the point where it is possible to make high quality music with an entire suite of software synths, the need for external keyboards and sound modules has declined to…

Reviews

XtremeMac Microshield Fade Case for iPhone 5 Review

As someone who loves simple cases that protect your device without adding too much weight or bulk, I’ve found that XtremeMac’s Microshield Fade Case for iPhone 5 does a great job of being simple while still retaining interest. When the case is on the phone, you barely know it is there. At the same time, the gradient transition from translucent to opaque when you travel down the iPhone is visually striking. Let’s take a look and then give two away. From XtremeMac: Protect your new iPhone 5 device with this sophisticated and stylish Microshield Fade case by XtremeMac. Capturing the…

Reviews

XtremeMac Microshield Style Case for iPhone 5 Review

Here’s another XtremeMac case for the iPhone 5. This time out it is covered in a layer of cork. This adds visual appeal but also offers some practical benefits such as making it easier to hold than some of the more slippery cases. At under $30 the case is a good deal. Were it to include a screen protector it would be an even better deal. It doesn’t. But I still like the case. From XtremeMac: XtremeMac mixes style and function with these durable cases for the new iPhone 5 device. Durable, hard shell finish protects your iPhone 5 and…

Reviews

XtremeMac Microshield Stand Video Review

XtremeMac has released a bevy of new cases for the iPhone 5 and were kind enough to send a few for review. This time out, we are looking at the XtremeMac Microshield Stand and giving two review samples away. Let’s jump in. From XtremeMac: Microshield™ Stand includes an integrated viewing stand that comes out of the case for watching videos or FaceTime™ applications, and then folds in seamlessly when not in use. Designed from durable, hard plastic material to protect your iPhone 5 device and avoid scratches, dust and dirt. Features: Seamlessly integrated viewing stand for watching videos or FaceTime…

Reviews

AirPivothead Wireless Storage System, Review

As image and video files grow larger and larger, having as much storage available as possible becomes increasingly important. That’s why I always encourage people to buy devices with the most storage they can afford. It is also why we are so fond of Seagate’s GoFlex Satellite drive (read the review). If, however, you want extra storage for your iPad, iPhone or similar movie device, but are looking for something smaller and less expensive you might want to check out the AirPivothead. This diminutive device lets you wirelessly upload, download and stream files. And, since it relies on the SD…

Gear Bits

How Bodyguardz Saved My iPhone 5

Ugh! So aggravating! I took my iPhone out of its case while traveling (I know, I know) because it was so bulky. At least I had purchased and installed a Bodyguardz skin on my phone last week; because of that, my iPhone 5 survived a horrific flying drop and slide at the airport. The only damage is my slightly smooshed upper right corner, which is way way better than the cracked screen I expected to see when I picked the phone up from the hard tile floor. If (like me) you prefer to not have a case on your device…

Reviews

XtremeMac Tuffwrap Case for iPhone 5 Review

XtremeMac has a full series of cases and accessories for the iPhone 5. Among the offerings is their Tuffwrap line of cases. These offer “powerful protection and added grip for your new iPhone 5 device”. Let’s take a look and then start a giveaway!! From XtremeMac: Made from flexible, high-grade TPE material, the XtremeMac™ Tuffwrap offers a high-level of protection for your new iPhone® 5. Custom built to ensure full access to switches, jacks and camera. Its form-fitting border wraps securely around the face for extra protection and its sides are designed for tactile comfort and added grip. Features:…

News

JBL Offers a Complete Portfolio of Wireless Speakers

The other day my favorite Kickstart-Addicted friend (aka Judie) and I were debating backing an awesome project for iOS devices. I commented that we needed to place a moratorium on projects that are specific to the iPhone 5 or the iPad since, at the moment, we are in a transitional period. Yes, with the iPad 4 all iOS devices will be using Apple’s new, smaller, connector. Until then though we have a mix of devices using either the 30-pin dock connector or the new connector. That means there has never been a better time to go wireless. That’s why Judie…

News

DomeSkin Bumps Up to iPhone 5

With the announcement of any new device come the announcements of matching accessories. And if the device in question is a new iPhone, then you get a LOT more accessory announcements, given the popularity of that handset. Skins for iPhones (and other devices) are nothing new, of course, but the announcement Gear Diary received from DomeSkin caught my attention because it sounded like a different design concept. Most skins are intended to be as flat and thin as possible, so as to protect a device from scratches without adding bulk. If it suits the consumer, the skin may also add…

Music Diary, News

iRig Keys Now Shipping, Review Coming Soon!

Today IK Multimedia announced that they were shipping the iRig Keys, their first entry into the hardware controller world. Building on their growing base of experience with iOS-based music accessories, IK is positioning as a mobile controller for your tablet or laptop that provides a solid range of functionality while also easily fitting in your backpack – and with the durability to stand up to life in a backpack! Even better, today my iRig Keys arrived for review, and will be working to get my review of the new hardware and iGrand Piano for iPad out as soon as possible. Because…

Reviews

JOBY GripTight Mount & Micro Stand, Video Review

Every now and then an accessory comes along that ends up being far more impressive than expected. That is the case with the new JOBY GripTight Mount and Micro Stand. This small mount and tripod fold up to make a compact unit that can easily be carried on your key ring, but once opened up provides a great deal of useful flexibility if you use your smartphone for taking pictures or holding video chats. From JOBY: In yet another breakthrough in mobile photography, JOBY introduces the GripTight Mount & Micro Stand, a dynamic duo featuring the world’s only pocket-sized tripod…

Reviews

Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker Review

Last week I offered a first look and video of the Libratone Zipp. The airplay speaker fuses European aesthetics with Cupertinian technology. The round speaker works fine at home, but it also runs on battery power so you can take it on the go. Libratone, who already offered two different speakers designed for home use has now made a speaker that is ready to, as they put it, “Leave the House”. From Libratone: Share your music anywhere, anytime! Libratone Zipp is an easy-to-use, wireless sound system wrapped in changeable Italian wool. Stream your favourite tunes with PlayDirect™ and AirPlay technology, directly…

Reviews

Spigen SGP GLAStR Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 5

I had a GLASt screen protector on my iPhone 4S (read the review), I have a GLASt screen protector on my iPad 3 (read the review), and now, thanks to Spigen SGP, I have a GLAStR screen protector on my iPhone 5. The GLASt series offers true screen protection by placing a layer of tempered glass on top of the actual screen. The amazing thing is that once it has fully adhered, you can’t really tell it is there. I HAD put a pre-order version on my phone (read the post), but the company was not happy with the fit. They…

Editorials

My Experience with Tech21’s Impact Snap Case for iPhone 5

I met Tech21 at a recent product showcase, and I was impressed by what I saw. The company has taken a special material that absorbs shock and has found ways to incorporate it into iPhone cases that protect your precious device. Shortly after the event, the company sent me one of their Impact Snap Cases. This snap-on case is a simple design that protects the sides and back of the new iPhone; it has a colorful liner made from the special D30 impact material that promises extra protection. The cases came with the notation that it was created for “the…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Cobra iRadar Smart Detection System Review

The iPhone is the great disruptor of personal electronics. It has crushed the stand-alone camcorder, taken a huge bite out of the point-and-shoot camera market and made buying an after-market automotive video entertainment system a ridiculous waste of money. And, issues with Apple maps aside, thanks to the iPhone there is less reason to buy a stand alone GPS unit. The list goes on and on. Yes, the iPhone (and other smartphones) turned many once must-have products into “why have” items of yesteryear. There are, however, some rare occasions when the iPhone not only doesn’t disrupt the need for a…

Reviews

Magnetyze System for iPhone 4S Review

We’ve looked at a number of charging systems that don’t require you to actually plug your device in. The best known example of this is the Powermat system. It worked as promised, but while I liked the cool tech I never got used to having the bulky and somewhat ugly cases on my devices. That’s why I was curious, but skeptical, when Magnetyze reached out and invited us to check out their entry into the wireless charging market. What I discovered was a product that is truly a huge step forward in both technology and aesthetics. Oh, and it uses…

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