Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Slideshow: Kid-friendly iOS Accessories

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AppId is over the quota

Anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch knows that kids love them just as much as adults—perhaps even more so. Between the touchscreen interface and the plethora of kid-focused apps, many of them educational, it's almost as if these devices were made for kids. But most of the accessories for iOS devices are aimed at older folks. From protection to volume control to drawing aids, kids have different needs. We hunted down a selection of add-ons specifically designed to help the youngest members of your family get the most out of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, while keeping everyone safe from potential mishaps. You might even find something for your own inner child.

Griffin Technology lets your kids take coloring to a new level with three accessories that transform your iPad into an interactive coloring experience. Both the $20 LightBoard for iPad (original iPad; top left) and the $40 Crayola Trace & Draw for iPad 2 (iPad 2; bottom left) are protective cases that turn your iPad into an art table. With either case, you slide a piece of paper into the case—the iPad's screen is protected by a plastic screen protector—and use the Crayola Trace & Draw iPad app to create all the art you want using real markers, crayons, and pencils. The $30 Crayola ColorStudio HD (iPad and iPad 2; right) is a kid-friendly touchscreen stylus that offers a truly unique—and purely digital—coloring experience. You use the iMarker digital stylus along with the Crayola ColorStudio HD iPad app to color, animate, and even add sound effects to artwork. Once created, parents can print art or share it through Facebook or Email.

With names like iPig, iPig Cool, iPanda, iBoo II, and MiSoccer, it's easy to figure out why Speakal's cleverly designed iPhone and iPod docking stations will appeal to kids. But just because they're cute, round, and plastic doesn't mean they skimp on sound quality—we've been pleasantly surprised by the models we've tested. Some systems are designed for all-around sound, with four speakers and a woofer on the bottom; others offer a more-traditional left/right speaker setup. All docking models include a remote control. There's even an iHog Portable, which is larger and battery powered. The docks are available in a variety of colors and range in price from the $90 to $160.

Kids and adults alike will love these cases featuring their favorite Sesame Street friends. The iPad cases ($25) and portfolios ($40) are available in Elmo and Cookie Monster varieties for both the original iPad and the iPad 2. Elmo iPhone cases ($15) are available for the iPhone 3G and 3GS and the iPhone 4 and 4S. These just might be the only cases that your toddler will find more interesting than the devices inside them.

Griffin Technology's $25 KaZoo for iPod touch offers a fun way for animal-loving kids to carry and protect a fourth-generation iPod touch. Each case is made of durable silicone and doesn't obscure the iPod's touchscreen, headphone jack, or dock-connector port. The cases are available in your kid's favorite animal, as long as that animal is an owl or a turtle.

Speck takes the kid-friendly iPad case to a new level with the iGuy for iPad 2 and iPad. The freestanding cases—based on Speck's original iGuy for the iPod, which debuted before iOS was even a thing—are made of a squishy, lightweight-but-protective, non-toxic foam with a design that will appeal to kids and adults alike. Available in green, blue, or orange, the iGuy isn't yet available online, but will soon debut at Brookstone retailers.

It's no secret that kids like to grab pretty much anything they can get their hands on, and that can be a problem when it comes to slippery iPads. KEM Ventures' Big Grips Frame offers soft, squishy, kid-friendly protection that lets you rest easy as your little ones grab away. The Big Grips Frame is durable enough to protect your iPad or iPad 2 from kid-induced bumps and drops, and soft and grippy enough for them to easily hang on. The Frame is available in blue, green, pink, or gray, either alone ($35) or bundled with a matching Big Grips Stand ($50). Models are available for the original iPad and the iPad 2.

If you were a kid (or had kids) any time in the last 50 years, chances are you've played with an Etch A Sketch. The closest thing many of today's youngsters will get to using one is an iOS app, but you can help make that experience a tiny bit more authentic—and give your iOS device a fun and nostalgic look—with HeadCase's officially licensed Etch A Sketch cases for iPad and iPhone. You obviously can't draw with these cases, but you do get protection and some retro fun. HeadCase offers the case in versions for the original iPad and iPad 2 ($39); the iPhone 4 and 4S ($25); and the iPhone 3 and 3GS ($25).

Fisher Price offers three free iOS apps for babies, but the company also provides a way to baby-proof your iOS device. The $15 Laugh and Learn Apptivity Case is a protective case designed to look like your typical baby toy while letting your little one play with your iPhone or iPod touch worry-free. The brightly colored case includes two handles for easier gripping (and safe teething), a clear-plastic cover blocks the Home button, and a mirror on the back provides some good ol' analog fun. The Apptivity Case is compatible with the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S, as well as the second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPod touch.

Speaking of blocking the home button, one of the most frequent requests we've seen from parents is for a way to keep toddlers from pressing the Home button—either accidentally or on purpose. You can avoid accidental phone calls, and the frustration resulting from your baby accidentally exiting his or her favorite app, with Paperclip Robot's BubCaps. Each BubCap is a small piece of plastic that adheres to the front of your iOS device and covers the Home button. Rather than rendering the button unusable, BubCaps increase the amount of pressure required to press the button, so it will still be accessible by adults, but not by most children. The company says BubCaps are also easy for an adult to remove, but not a child. BubCaps are available in three different strengths: Regular (for toddlers using an iPhone and iPod touch), Ultra (for toddlers on an iPad and older kids on an iPhone and iPod touch), and Max (for older and stronger kids using an iPad). A four-pack of a single strength costs $5; the company also offers sampler packs for $5 and $7.

Part stuffed animal and part iPhone case, Griffin Technology's $20 Woogie 2 is perfect for the little one who can't survive without a stuffed thing in his or her hands at all times. It's also good for parents who use their iPhone as a media player for their kids: In addition to giving your phone lots or protection, the Woogie's fuzzy legs can act as a viewing stand. Compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch, the Woogie 2 is available in pink/pink and blue/green versions, leaves the iOS device's headphone jack accessible, and lets you use the device's touchscreen through the case's clear-plastic window.

For both kids and adults, long road trips are a lot more fun with an iPad. For those times your kids (or you) want to sit back and watch a video, you can use a headrest mount for hours of hands-free entertainment that's literally at your kids' fingertips. Griffin Technology's $40 CinemaSeat 2 (bottom) comes with an adjustable strap that attaches easily to your seat. If you've already got ModulR's iPad Case + Cover, the company offers a $20 Car Headrest Strap (top right). If you want a mount that's a little more substantial, Vogel's $100 RingO Car Mount (top left) latches onto your car seat's headrest stems for a secure fit. (All three products are available for both the original iPad and the iPad 2.) We can't promise you'll never have to endure another chorus of 99 Bottles of Beer, but we can hope.

If your kids like using headphones with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can protect their hearing with Etymotic's Ety Kids Safe-Listening Earphones. These in-ear-canal headphones are specifically designed to protect your child's hearing. First, they block a significant amount of external noise, so your young one isn't tempted to crank up the volume; second, they're engineered such that the maximum volume they can produce is still at a safe level for extended listening. The headphones will be available next month in two models: The $49 Ety Kids 3, which is a standard set of headphones, and the $79 Ety Kids 5, which features an Apple-style, three-button inline remote/microphone module.

Like the Ety Kids, Griffin's $30 MyPhones headphones are specifically designed for children. Using a kid-sized version of a full-size headphone design, the MyPhones partially cover your child's ears to block external sound, and they can't produce audio louder than 85 decibels. The company also made MyPhones fun, with customizable earpieces, and practical, thanks to washable earpads. Sadly, Griffin has discontinued the MyPhones, although you can still find them online.

So You Got an iPhone 4S? Here's How to Accessorize

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AppId is over the quota

For more than a decade they toiled in the strange, boxy-looking building on the hill above the municipal airport, the building with no windows (except in the cafeteria), the building filled with secrets.

Smart iPhone 4S Unboxing - Official Postpaid Plans and Prepaid Kit Prices, Accessories Check!

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AppId is over the quota

Smart iPhone 4S has reached The TP Hideout!

smart iphone 4sSmart Communications is now an official carrier of iPhone in the Philippines. As such, you can get your Apple iPhone 4S as a bundled handset with various Smart Postpaid Plans or contract-free via Smart Prepaid Kit.

As our tradition would have it, the phone has to undergo the One-Handed TechPinas Unboxing:

iPhone 4S is the latest smartphone from Apple. The flagship handset, which is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants, comes with top-notch specifications from the Cupertino-company including a 1 GHz Dual Core Apple A5 processor, an enhanced 8 MegaPixel camera and a Full HD video recorder, among others. Software-wise, iPhone 4S boasts the new iOS5 operating system, features iCloud storage and Siri, which is a voice-powered virtual system. For more information about Apple iPhone 4S Philippines, visit the link.

What's in the Smart iPhone 4S box?

smart iphone 4s
Again, we have the iPhone 4S unit itself, the charger, USB connector, Apple earphones, microSIM card tray opener, iPhone 4S manuals, NTC certification, Finger Tips, and 2 Apple stickers.

Smart iPhone 4S Plans and Prepaid Prices

Planning to get your iPhone 4S from Smart? Well, I have here the official Smart iPhone 4S Postpaid Plans and Unlimited Data Plans price schedule.

smart iphone 4siPhone Plan 999 looks sulit, don't you think?

But if you can pay cash and you want to avoid the deferred monthly payments, you can get Smart iPhone 4S via Prepaid Kit. Contract-free, the 16GB version sells for Php 33,200,
the 32GB version for Php 38,200, and the 64GB version for Php 43,200.

Thumbs up!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Apple iPhone 4S: Here's how to get started

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AppId is over the quota

Apple's iPhone 4S didn't see a design overhaul from the iPhone 4, so almost all cases and accessories built for the iPhone 4 will work with the newer one.

Apple boasts the most expansive and polished app catalog. There's a lot of good stuff to check out.

Instagram: This photo-sharing app has not-so-quietly become a community of more than 11 million iPhone users. The app creates those square, retro-styled photos you may have seen pop up on Facebook. The Free Press also posts photos with the app. Find it by searching users for "Detroit Free Press."

Twitter: Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 5, comes with system-wide Twitter integration, which means it's easier than ever to share links and photos on the social network. If you're new to the iPhone, you should check out Twitter, too. It's a great way to stay current on all sorts of news. There, you can find the Free Press -- @freep -- and me -- @markdubya. We'll get you started.

Remote: This underutilized app from Apple allows you to use the iPhone (or iPod Touch or iPad) as a remote for a computer's iTunes library or an Apple TV. It's a great way to manage music at a gathering without having to go to the source. You can adjust the volume from the iPhone, too.

Use folders to organize your apps into categories such as "Social," "Location," "Photo" and "News." To start a folder, hold your finger down on any app and wait until they all start to jiggle. Then take that app and drag it on top of another. Both apps will start a folder.

You're already hands-free: The white earbuds that come with the iPhone have a microphone in them, which means you can use them as a hands-free calling device. To pick up a phone call, click the center of the microphone that's on one of the wires.

Make a custom vibration: Loud, distracting ringtones are no friend to anyone. On the iPhone 4S, head to the Accessibility settings and turn on custom vibrations. Then, under "Sounds," you can pick from several vibration patterns. You can even create your own by tapping out a pattern on the iPhone's screen, giving each caller a different cadence.

Contact Mark W. Smith: 313-223-4424 or msmith@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @markdubya or subscribe to his posts on Facebook or on Google+.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Best of 2011 Nominations: iPhone accessories

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AppId is over the quota
Best of 2011 Nominations: iPhone accessories | TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog adSetAdURL("/_uac/adpage.html");adSetOthAT("kvcmsid=bsd:20127529;"); adSetUGC = 1; Skip to Content

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During December and January, The Unofficial Apple Weblog is soliciting your nominations and votes for the best products for Mac, iPhone/iPod touch, and iPad. We'll start with nominations in a category, and then tally your votes for the top-nominated products a few days later. The winner in each category receives the highly-coveted title of TUAW Best of 2011.

The Mac nominations are done, and now we're shifting our attention to iPhones. Today's category for Best of 2011 nominations is iPhone accessories. This is a huge category, including protective cases from thin skins to completely waterproof cases that can take a dunking or a drop off the top of a moving car; battery packs; alarm and speaker docks; radio controlled cars and helicopters; car chargers; keyboards; guitar inputs; you name it!

To get an idea of what's in this category, just take a look at the Apple Store iPhone accessory listings to see what's in there.

Whatever your favorite iPhone accessory is, we want to hear about it. Leave your nomination in the comments below. Voting will start soon!

Nominations close at 11:59 PM ET on December 16, 2011.


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Today's category for Best of 2011 nominations is iPhone accessories
  Add a Comment Sign in » Add a Comment Type your comment here *0 / 3000 Character Maximum Comment Moderation Enabled. Your comment will appear after it is cleared by an editor. 13 13 Comments Filter by: Newest Oldest Marjolijn

I'm extremely fond of my Withings Wifi scale, and the app that shows me all of my weight stats. It really helps me monitor my health and stay fit(ter).

8 hours ago Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply Hardyman

Totally forgot the Apple TV2, as Mark pointed out. I use that more than anything! News reports, movies, podcasts it plays everything and even works as the remote. Hands down it the most used.

Thursday at 1:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply Hardyman

I love my Joby Gorilla Pod for iPhone4/4S, but I'm also getting a Mophie Juicepack Air which I hear is awesome.

Thursday at 1:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply myk83

Wahoo Fitness iPhone case with ANT+ would be my choice. Compatibility with a lot of apps, and fills several needs for me.

http://www.wahoofitness.com

Thursday at 11:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply M

I think that iMainGo X is the best portable sound device out there: http://imaingo.com/

Thursday at 3:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply tuawsteve

My most-used iPhone accessory? Mophie Juice Pack Air.

Wednesday at 2:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply katsanes

The Ram Mount X-Grip! - the best suction cup mount for iPhones (or any phone really) in a case.

http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/xgripholder/tabid/3687/Default.aspx#/

Wednesday at 11:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply The Plaid Cow

glif from Studio Neat. http://www.studioneat.com/

Wednesday at 10:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply 01nb

Simple, effective, not obnoxiously huge case: Monoprice Bumper Case with Clear Polycarbonate Back

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083111&p_id=8662&seq=1&format=2

It's $1.94. Seriously, it's the best iPhone case I've had. You can pay more for something else, but why?

Wednesday at 10:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply Nique

The latest mophie Juice Pack air snap!
It's awesome and it doesn't block the dock port

Wednesday at 9:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply Load more comments Buy an ad here Hot Apps on TUAW Deals of the Day more deals Used Apple iMac 17" Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz for $500 + $32 s&hApple Earphones with Remote and Mic for $7 + free shippingApple iPhone 4 16GB for AT&T or Verizon for $100 + free shippingSoundLogic Bluetooth Tower Speaker for iPhone / iPod for $130 + free shippingRefurb OtterBox Case with Holster for AT&T iPhone 4 for $9 + free shippingUniversal Silicone Suction Cup Phone Stand for $1 + free shipping Software Updates more updates Aperture updated to 3.2.2, addresses Photo Stream issueApple updates Keynote to address Lion issuesGoogle Search app gets new look on iPadApple releases Apple TV Software Update 4.4.3Camera+ updated, VolumeSnap returns at lastMacBook Pro, AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule firmware updated Featured Stories more stories

Interview: Olivia Broadfield on Macs, apps and DIY music making

Daily iPad App: Boinx iStopMotion brings stop motion animation to iOS

Logitech's Fold-Up Keyboard brings comfortable typing to the iPad 2

Thunderbolt devices are still irritatingly thin on the ground

Tweets Popular Stories

Clever iPhone 4S tricks: Look at your own ear (Updated)

What's a retail employee worth to Apple?

Lots of free and discounted apps this pre-holiday weekend

Thunderbolt devices are still irritatingly thin on the ground

Engadget NASA shows first global image taken from new satellite; Captain Planet approvesMobile Miscellany: week of December 12, 2011Samsung Stratosphere review Joystiq Trine 2 available via the Mac App Store, demos galoreDimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platformsNew Pokemon game is a Nobunaga's Ambition crossover, really TechCrunch This Is Not The Net You Thought You KnewGillmor Gang 12.17.11 (TCTV)Facebook Shareholders Suck?(Or, Why This Is Not Bubble 2.0) WoW The Queue: Stat inflation, loading screens, Extra Buttons, and moreTotem Talk: Gearing your enhancement shaman for Raid FinderAround Azeroth: You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel TUAW Logo

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Apple may expand third-party iPhone, iPad accessories support

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Apple may be considering expanding its support for third-party accessories for iPhones and iPads. In a patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office this week and discovered by AppleInsider, Apple looks to be developing a new system that would detect an external device and then recommend compatible apps for it in the App Store.

The patent filing is titled “Method and System for Locating an Accessory and an Application for Use With a User Device” and involves a system that can identify a variety of apps that can be used with a connected device. It could also recommend a range of hardware accessories that could work with particular apps that are already installed.

The recommended hardware accessories could include game controllers, external speakers, and wireless headsets. Kiosks at a store can connect to a user’s iPhone to analyze it for a list of compatible accessories and provide the location of those accessories inside the store. Apple would also provide links to the online stores where the compatible accessories can be purchased.

The concept would provide users with an extensive list of both compatible apps and hardware accessories. The patent application was filed back in June of 2010 but made public this week.

[via AppleInsider]

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Finally, a Compact iPhone Accessory that Does It All

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AppId is over the quota

BERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- (http://www.myprgenie.com) -- With thousands of similar iPod and iPhone speaker docks on the market, the Audman takes a unique approach. As the world's smallest speaker dock with battery charging capabilities, the Audman adds a retro styling to further set it apart.

Accessories for iOS devices have been extremely popular, selling $14 billion in 2011 with the speaker dock category dominating over half this market according to an Apple insider. Growth within this category has been flat due to lack of innovation and a mature product category. The Berkeley, CA team behind the Audman saw an opportunity to change this and make the common speaker dock and charger ultra-portable with a twist. The team hopes to create a fun and distinct brand through the cassette player design elements and integrated mixtape creation App.

The Audman is available for pre-order on the crowd-funding website Kickstarter. The team needs to raise $42,000 by midnight on New Year's Eve in order to begin production. One of the main appeals apart from the battery and speaker capabilities is the minimal size, much smaller than one would expect from an accessory packed with the electronics of a much larger dock connector. The Audman also extends the interface of the iPod and iPhone through functioning analog style pushbuttons and volume wheel -- retro design elements that are quite useful for the audio experience the Audman is aiming for. The dual headphone jacks are an interesting addition, something rarely seen since Sony's first Walkman in 1979. The device is ideal for outdoor activities such as running and hiking and perfect for bringing music to the beach or streaming Pandora at work. Compared to the combined price of a speaker dock system, battery charger and protective case that could easily set you back over $200 , the pre-order price of $125 for the premium Audman looks quite attractive.

The Audman is an innovative and modern speaker dock and battery charger for the iPod and iPhone with interesting retro twist. Pre-order on Kickstarter to be one of the first in the world to have this amazing little device. If you're in the market for a speaker dock, battery charger or protective iPhone case this holiday season, you're going to want to take a look at the Audman Kickstarter project.

The Audman is the first product by Dean Ekkaia and Sean Solberg of Berktronics, LLC. The company, founded this year, is focused on unique and innovative design for consumer electronic accessories.

Link to Audman product page: http://www.audman.co

Link to Berktronics, LLC page: http://www.berktronics.com

Link to Audman Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/875834086/audman-the-battery-charging-boombox-for-your-ipod

Contact:
Dean Ekkaia
Dean@berktronics.com
650-690-6327

Macworld Buying Guide: iPhone 4 and 4S cases

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AppId is over the quota
by Macworld Staff, Macworld.com  

Apple's designers surely didn't mean for the iPhone’s sleek design to be covered up, but failing to give it a protective case leaves the device vulnerable to smudges and scratches–or, worse, shattered glass and bent metal. To minimize the risk of serious damage, consider using a protective case. Here's a quick guide to shopping for iPhone protection, along with a rundown of the most common types of cases and some examples of each type.

Whichever type of case you choose, make sure it doesn’t block the iPhone’s bottom-mounted speaker, microphone, and dock-connector port; top-mounted headphone jack and microphone; the camera lens and flash on the back; and the camera lens, light sensor, proximity sensor on the front—unless, of course, the case is designed so that you remove your iPhone to use it. Similarly, if you like to use dock-cradle accessories, make sure the case is easily removable, as many of docking accessories, such as speaker systems, are not compatible with cases.

Note that the iPhone 4S has the exact same button layout as the Verizon (CDMA) iPhone 4, which is slightly different than the button layout of the AT&T (GSM) iPhone 4. This means that some early cases made specifically for the AT&T/GSM iPhone 4 won’t fit the CDMA iPhone 4 or any iPhone 4S. Make sure you choose a case that fits your specific iPhone model.

Marware CEO Glide
Marware's CEO Glide

Pouches and Sleeves: Pouches and sleeves completely encase your iPhone to protect it from scratches. Some even provide extra padding to help guard against bumps, drops, and shocks. These cases tend to be relatively inexpensive, though many also limit access to the device’s touchscreen—you have to pull out your device to access features. Recommendations:

Case-Mate Leather Hipster
Case-Mate's Leather Hipster

Holsters: Holsters let you store your iPhone on your belt or bag strap for easy access, but you need to take the device out of the case to use it. Recommendations:

Moshi iGlaze
Moshi's iGlaze

Shells: If you don’t need a lot of protection—for example, if you keep your iPhone in your pocket, a purse, or a laptop bag—a shell-style case is right up your alley. These rigid cases enclose most of your device in a thin layer of rigid plastic or metal, offering protection against minor bumps and scratches, but not hard drops. The cases also leave your device’s entire screen and all controls fully accessible, and tend to have a slim profile that doesn’t add bulk to the phone. If you don’t want to hide your iPhone’s shiny surface, consider a shell made of hard, transparent plastic. Some shells also include belt clips, though clips that can be removed without leaving a nub sticking out on the back are generally preferable. A tip: We prefer shells with sides that protrude ever-so-slightly past the iPhone's screen, so that if you set the phone down screen down, the phone rests on the case sides, rather than on the screen. Recommendations:

Griffin Technology Motif
Griffin Technology's Motif

Skins: One of the most popular types of cases, skins enclose your iPhone in a layer of silicone rubber or a similar flexible material. Thinner skins prevent scratches without adding much bulk, whereas thicker skins provide extra shock protection. Both give your device some grip; the downside of a skin, however, is that because of that grip, getting your device out of your pocket can be a minor hassle. Many skin cases are easy to remove, which is convenient if you want to use your iPhone with accessories that work only on a naked iPhone. Recommendations:

Apple iPhone 4 Bumper
Apple's iPhone 4 Bumper

Bumpers: With the iPhone 4, Apple popularized its Bumper case, which is basically a protective band that wraps around the edge of the phone. Although a bumper-style case doesn’t offer the same protection as a standard case—especially for the phone’s glass back—it does protect against many drops while leaving your iPhone’s beauty undisguised. Recommendations:

Sena Magnet Flipper
Sena's Magnet Flipper

Flip cases and wallets: Flip cases offer complete protection, thanks to a screen cover that flips open for access. Although these cases tend to be a bit bulkier than most, they offer a good compromise between protection and convenience. Some also include a pocket for cash, credit cards, or an ID, and a few even convert into a stand for watching videos or photo slideshows. Recommendations:

Marware SportShell Convertible
Marware's SportShell Convertible

Armbands: If you listen to music on your iPhone while working out, you'll want a case that offers shock resistance, some amount of moisture protection, and convenient carrying options. You’ll find such cases in the other categories here, but many people prefer exercise armbands, which strap onto your upper arm to keep your iPhone safe but accessible. Recommendations:

Screen protection and body films: Many iPhone cases include a clear, flexible, adhesive film that protects the phone’s glass screen from scratches, but if you prefer to carry your iPhone au naturel—or if you want a higher-quality film—you can purchase a screen protector separately. The best are basically invisible and don’t affect the iPhone’s touch-screen sensitivity; some offer an anti-glare finish, and some are also available in full-body versions that protect the entire iPhone from scratches without adding bulk or obscuring its stylish appearance. Recommendations:

Ballistic Hard Core
Ballistic's Hard Core Series Case

Ultimate protection: People who treat their devices roughly or venture into harsh environments will want a case that offers complete protection against shocks and the elements. These cases can add significant bulk, and may make your device's buttons and ports difficult to access, but you won’t have to worry about damaging your phone if you drop it. Some even keep out sand and water. Recommendations:

Hello Music Takes Its Service on Tour With New Mobile App for iPhone

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AppId is over the quota

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -12/16/11)- Hello Music, the fastest growing centralized marketplace and opportunity platform for musicians, today launched Hello Music Mobile, a new iPhone app that provides immediate access to the best instruments, gear and services. Whether on the road touring, locked in the studio for a recording session or stuck at the office, musicians across the U.S. can now access incredible opportunities from the palms of their hands.

Hello Music Mobile offers the most comprehensive, robust and high-quality buying experience for musicians anywhere on the mobile web. With the Hello Music iPhone app, each day's new Awesome Opportunities on music gear and musician services like studios, mastering and digital distribution will be delivered.

Full benefits of the Hello Music Mobile app include everything now available on Hello Music's recently updated platform, which includes tabbed departments for Gear, Services, Vintage and Accessories -- covering every music need.

Gear: Purchase the best deals on guitars, basses, keyboards, amps, microphones, preamps and software.

Services: Book studio time, mix an album, hire a mastering engineer, save money on duplication and order new merchandise, all on the go.

Vintage: Access Hello Music's newest channel, Hello Music Vintage, featuring a new lineup of vintage gear from a nationally renowned retailer bi-weekly. Browse and purchase vintage electric and acoustic guitars, basses, amps, drums and effects.

Accessories: On the road? Restock essentials like guitar strings, picks, tuners, cables, sticks, cases and more.

Account Management: Organize and manage all shipping and payment information no matter where you are, with a single tap, to keep the show on the road.

Currently, more than 120,000 individuals have signed up to access the opportunities once reserved exclusively for label-backed recording artists. Musicians and music enthusiasts new to Hello Music can register for membership as soon as they download the app -- both are free.

"We know how fast moving and unpredictable the life of a musician can be -- we're musicians ourselves," said Rick Camino, CEO of Hello Music. "Bringing the Hello Music opportunity marketplace to mobile enables us to bring success to even more musicians and better serve a highly mobile membership base."

The Hello Music Mobile app for the iPhone is free to download, and available immediately in the iTunes App Store.

About Hello Music
Hello Music is the fastest growing centralized marketplace and opportunity platform for musicians. As passionate musician advocates, Hello Music democratizes access to opportunities that, until now, have only been reserved for a few top-tier artists. Hello Music works every day on behalf of musicians to negotiate the best deals anywhere on instruments, home recording gear, studio time, marketing and distribution, publishing, touring, and other music-related products and services. Founded in 2010, Hello Music is based out of Los Angeles, California and is a portfolio company of Elevator Labs. To sign up for Hello Music, please visit www.hellomusic.com.

About Elevator Labs
Elevator Labs brings ideas from vision to value. Beginning with new business concepts, the Elevator Labs team funds and builds those concepts into fully functioning, revenue generating businesses. Founded in 2011, the Elevator Labs team is a diverse group of executives from the media and technology industries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Elevator Labs is a privately held company and is backed by KGC Capital. For the full Elevator Labs experience, please visit www.elevatorlabs.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: iPhone accessories for each type

Chris Velazco is a mobile enthusiast and writer who studied English and marketing at Rutgers University. Once upon a time, he made the news internship for MobileCrunch, and in between posts, worked in wireless sales at best buy. After completing his studies, he returned to the new TechCrunch as a full time mobile writer. He is one of advertising, permanent and musical theater... ? More

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Apple sold over 17 million iPhones in the last quarter alone, so chances are good that you have someone a holiday for must buy is already exists. Instead of the usual combination of "Cheesy card and sweaters", why not give them something that her constant companion electronic uses? Here are to examine a few iPhone friendly gift ideas, all organized by personality type. Happy hunting!


For the rough-and tumble type:

Take it from a man who bought and broke an iPhone 4 on the same day: the iPhone 4 / 4 discs do not play nice with concrete. Here, Defender in the game comes the OtterBox: combination body hard polycarbonate with a Silicon skin that wraps around it, the Defender is robust enough, also the negligent users keep up with. Oh, and did I mention it comes in eight retrieving color combinations?

OtterBox.com, $49.95

For artists:

There are enough iPhone cases on the Internet make your head spin in circulation. Instead of digging through endless possibilities for a case that a particular shade of Puce, why not make one place? Case-mate offers customers who upload ability, their own images and beat them in the event of their choice, perfect for the artistically inclined and fussy to boot type. They can also ironically like me and get an iPhone case emblazoned with HTC devices on them!

The case start CaseMate.com, prices at $35 depending on the type.

For athletes:

If you were probably a couple of Sennheiser adidas PMX 680is on your next trip take everything as I have - that is, an avid runner / enormous sweaters-, then enjoy. They are easy, have neckband a water and sweat resistant and sound pretty good to boot. The 'i' refers in this case on the iDevice particular model, which features a line in remote calls and just the right song to your playlist "GET TOUGH". Only plan do not each bench presses with these things, because the neckband in the way get fast powerful.

Apple.com, $69.99

For the power-hungry:

The iPhone-4S battery was historically somewhat shaky, but if you want to all day long are connected to a power outlet? Mophie makes external batteries/cases for years now, but those who rather that added heft would evade should check out of their juice Pack boost. It is a small external battery, which grabs 2000mAh of juice, which more than enough, chugging your iPhone along, until it can insert you properly.

Mophie.com, $49.95

For beach visitors:

If not to live enough luck where you are covered with the next few months in perpetual cloud cover, check out the Eton solar-powered battery and battery box. It has a little booklet there safely, but that's a small price for a (very slightly) smaller electric bills, right? Okay, offers, so that the Mobius not the best choice for all iPhone owners 4/4s, but for those of you, as in the Sun lounging around the juice appreciate this thing while you, getting much-needed tan.

Amazon.com, $80

For the young (and young at heart):

No one is too old, to a small mechanized Whirligig air fly by, and Griffin's HELO TC can helicopters to do just that with your iPhone. To grab your iPhone (any kind do) which contain flight deck control mountain, is jump HELO TC in the air. Be careful a little practice time first login - the last thing have to do is control them head over heels against a wall.

Griffin.de, $49.99

For the College student party/buff:

The jawbone of pint-sized Bluetooth speaker pumps some surprising noises and is even the smelliest, fit the cramped dorm room. Jawbone presses from software updates fairly often, and has nice features like live audio mode to sound immersive melodies. Combine it with a free JamChain, and you have a mobile party – is missing, are red solo cups.

Jawbone.com, $199.99

New search results, from Technorati and Ingboo

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Zacuto has many iPhone accessories for new iPhone-4S

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire-11/23/11) - Apple recently released the latest version of its iPhone and Zacuto is ready, these phones equipped with an exclusive line of iPhone related accessories. Because the iPhone 4S 1080p HD video recording features, more people start to shoot high-quality video with their iPhones. Video with an iPhone is shooting but not an easy task. This is, why Zacuto evolved a few handles, to help the iPhone hold steady in the recording.

"A big difference in video quality between the new iPhone 4S and earlier models, are there really" says Zacuto product designer, Jens Bogehegn. "People are really take advantage of this new video capabilities."

A great example of this is surrounded by Máel Sévestre.

"A beautiful story, the all 4S iPhone with a, framed is shot", says Zacuto Director, Steve White. "It's not about the camera." "It is about the history, talent and the people behind the camera."

Zacuto has 3 different iPhone stabilization systems: iPhone point n' shoot, Zgrip iPhone PRO and the Zgrip iPhone Jr. All Zacuto handle systems work with any model iPhone. All Zacuto iPhone grip systems have about a 1/4 "20 threads on the bottom of the handle so that it can easily be mounted on a tripod."

The Zgrip iPhone Jr. is the most basic Kit. Snap easy your iPhone in the iPhone cradle on each kit and you're ready to shoot. The Zgrip iPhone Jr. has also a 1/4 "20 threads on the top for mounting lights or other accessories."

The iPhone-point n' shoot, functions in a similar way but also Zacuto quick-change technology. Push press the red button on the iPhone to 'n' shoot the iPhone docking station from the handle. Press the button again to the cradle back on film.

Visit www.zacuto.com or contact your dealer Zacuto to still your iPhone accessories shop.

ABOUT ZACUTO
Zacuto, based in Chicago, Illinois, known for their brand "Made in United States" high-quality, originally designed camera accessories. Their camera rental house Division builds custom camera packages and supplies nationwide. Zacuto films produced original programming, winning Emmy Award (regional chapter) for the great camera shootout 2010. program, FilmFellas and 2010 recently a 2011 Emmy Award (regional chapter) for their Webisodic visit for more information http://www.zacuto.com or follow @ Zacuto on Twitter.

Image available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1811761

Low-cost iPhone accessories are great Christmas gifts or any time

 

Regardless of your budget for holiday gifts this year are really lucky if some friends and family members on your shopping list, are iPhone users. This is practical of fun and inexpensive by affordable because there are tons of great accessories for Apple's Smartphone, go out there.

Smartphone Holiday Buyers Guide

Here are some suggestions to do you get started on your purchases for iPhone owners. While the below listed products in catch-all categories such as camera accessories, iPhone protection, docks, headsets, and batteries and Chargers, each element offers something different. IPhone cases under the protective alone, for example, you encounter in cases with additional functions in the areas of water resistance, multimedia playback, using an iPhone as a bottle opener (although all of these functions in the same iPhone case not displayed!).

Under the docking stations, there are ports which free of charge an iPhone with electric juice, pull double duty as alarm clock, and cosy place the phone in a car for discrete use as a GPS navigation device.

About the gifts to the people on your shopping list, you probably somewhat see below that you would be happy, available in a box with your own name on it, whether as a holiday or when your birthday around rolls. Prices run the gamut from $15 to $ 130. read all details.

Droppings ego dot panorama iPhone 4/4 s Add-ons for show
INSTEAD OF $79.00

Kotego Dot Panoramic iPhone 4/4S Add-OnThe iPhone's camera keeps in functionality, given not only for improvements in the camera itself, but to a growing number of impressive camera accessories win. We take for example the new droppings ego dot panorama iPhone 4/4 s-on show.

You can shoot now videos of what "is all around you," rather than only what directly to you. The categories point is a clip-on Lens-- or like droppings ego calls it, 'Panorama view accessories' - which you 360-degree panoramic video to shoot and then share the digital material on Facebook, Twitter, and Kogeto.com. With the addition of hardware, you must upload the free looker app for shooting, optimizations, and your video.

Fortunately the point but not must all batteries or external power supply. The Microfiber case can serve also as a lens cleaning cloth.

The ZAGG invisibleSHIELD
EIA: $14.95, $24.95, depending on the model

A bare iPhone is moderately scratch-resistant and durable. Additional protection can not but certainly damage, because iPhones are rather routinely exposed to dirt and weather, and the occasional bump or drop.

An iPhone does need at least a "screen protector"-a thin layer of plastic on the display. Has the ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD protective film, "it was such as its origins in the military, to the high speed helicopter sound to protect dirt and impurities, dust," according to ZAGG.

No adhesive is there involved here, so if you want to remove the InvisibleSHIELD, also not way Gunky is you to remove residues. As an additional plus is to the InvisbleSHIELD of the fingerprint stains and destruction to avoid glare finish visibility errors with screen by reducing.

OtterBox iPhone case
INSTEAD OF $49.95

Otterbox iPhone CaseA good example adds increased protection against knocks, just for starters. My own iPhone 4 lives in an Otterbox iPhone 4 Defender series. IPhone buttons, cameras and touch-screen-all perfectly by the case work.

There are hinged flaps on the ports headset and dock along with holes for the microphone and speakers. The Defender contains a cover/belt clip Holster, you want additional wearing comfort.

LifeProof iPhone CaseLifeProof iPhone case
INSTEAD OF $79.99

Should you even harder protection LifeProof. The very resistant LifeProof case weighs less than an ounce and the phone thickness added only one sixteenth of an inch. In the meantime, it protects your phone not only against dirt, but also against shock, water, and even snow. Supposedly an iPhone in LifeProof will continue to work case decorated even when immersed in water up to 6.6 metres.

All the iPhone features can still be used while the phone in the LifeProof case, but you need an optional adapter, waterproof to use underwater headphones. The LifeProof optical glass lenses are double AR coated, not in the kind of photo or video quality are available.

Zerochroma Teatro
INSTEAD OF $39.99

Zerochroma TeatroSome cases iPhone offer more than just protection. You have a friend or sibling, who like to play music and movies on an iPhone, you should take iPhone case a look at the Teatro Zerochroma in any case.

The Teatro works as a fold-out can be set "theater State" between quer-and portrait mode with settings for 14 different angle rotates. Other features include a "solid scoop" for audio enhancement, corner bumpers for drop protection and "finger dimple" to make, simply to keep for texting. Nor the Teatro can also flat, folds, so it your iPhone more difficult to keep or carry.

ThinkGeek iBottleopener bottle opening iPhone case
INSTEAD OF $19.99

Do you know someone with a bottle opener to dislikes? Well, why not him or her get a ThinkGeek iBottleopener - bottle opening iPhone case? Which is its name, offers these iPhone case an additional function for the opening of the bottles.

An alternative to the can tabs along with bottles, you can open the only slightly more expensive HeadCase iPhone 4/4 s bottle opener phone case, a product with a MSRP of $24.95 buy. The HeadCase free rolls in one app, the "play your favorite song or sound and shows a photo when you open a bottle or can."


Part 2 is this gift proposals contains several House and car dock options, plus some other accessories for iPhone shoppers.