LifeProof has been in the case game for a few years now. They advertise their cases as being water, dirt, snow, and shock proof. I caught up with the folks at LifeProof at CES this year and took a look at what they had to offer now. They graciously sent me some review samples to put through the paces. This review has been a long time coming, but I wanted to be fair and honest with it, so I used both cases for over a month before deciding to jot down my thoughts. Well, here it goes…
Category: Accessories
Quick Review: LifeProof iPhone Fre and iPad Nuud
Possible Samsung Smartwatch Surfaces
Some screenshots of the Samsung Galaxy Altius have surfaced. The Galaxy Altius is said to be Samsung’s version of a smartwatch. The original post is in Korean but we were still able to make out some details. In all the screenshots you will see SKT in left upper corner meaning it will be able to be carried on a wireless carriers data plan.
Upper right hand corner:
- AltiusOS beta2
- 1.7% / 236 MB
- Samsung-GA7
- Code Altius
The Galaxy Altius appears to be running it’s own OS (Operating System), this could mean one of two things. It’s running software designed for the smartwatch itself or it could be a highly customized version of Android device.
You will also notice in another image that there is a music note with “Ring Soul” and a box with the play symbol indicating a music player. There is also the number 2 with an envelope next to it that could stand for text messages or emails.
It should be interesting to see how the overall project comes out. We are starting to see a large number of smartwatches, hit the market and now is the time if Samsung wants to join the madness.
[Source]
Review: AfterShokz Sportz M2
At first glance, one would think these are some very strange looking headphones. AfterShokz Sportz M2 headphones are not your traditional headphones you would find in the store, they are open ear headphones that use bone conduction technology to transfer stereophonic sound via vibrations on your cheekbones to the inner ear.
I was first introduced to AfterShokz at CES 2012. They had a very impressive product, and I could tell they were off to a good start. Well, CES 2o13 rolled around and AfterShokz was back with a bigger and more impressive booth. They had revamped their product line and made some great improvements.
AfterShokz sent me a set of the Sportz M2 headphones to review, and it has been a pure pleasure to be using these headphones. Keep on reading to see what I thought about them.
CES 2013: Dexim ClickStik Bluetooth Remote & Camera Stand
Last night at CES Unveiled DEXIM was providing samples of their ClickStik Bluetooth remote shutter for iOS devices. At first I wasn’t that excited, until I got back to the hotel and took it for a test run.
Setup was straight forward, just a quick pairing of Bluetooth and then a download of their camera app. I was snapping pictures with the remote in minutes.
The included tripod, isn’t the best but it does get the job done and folds up nicely for travel. The range of the remote is about 30 feet, way more than you would need for most uses. We used the remote for a series of team pictures.
If you are looking for an inexpensive remote trigger setup, definitely give the ClickStik a try. Above is the promo video from DEXIM.
It is available from many retailers, including Amazon for $39.99
Make Your New Year Resolution Of Being Healthy Happen With The Jawbone Up
If your New Years resolution is to take better care of your body you might want to check out Jawbone’s Up. Up is a fitness system made up of a wristband and iPhone app that tracks how you sleep, move and eat. The Jawbone UP wristband can be worn 24/7 and remains charged for 10 days the wristband tracks how you sleep and your activity through advanced sensor technology.
The iPhone app receives the information from the wristband and tracks your motion and sleeping patterns. The app is also where you log what you eat and drink and track your nutritional information and allows you to set smart alarms so that you wake up at the opportune feeling refreshed. In addition the app allows you to set fitness goals and helps you stay on track to achieve them by allowing you to set idle alerts to remind you to move and stay active. Jawbone’s UP is available at Jawbone and retails for $129.99.
The iZZi Orbit iPhone Case
If you are someone who likes to take pictures but hates lugging around a large heavy camera, the iZZi Orbit iPhone case may be for you. The iZZi Orbit iPhone case allows you to choose between three interchangeable lenses to shoot with the Fish Eye, Wide Angle, or Telephoto.
Fish Eye:
Wide Angle:
Telephoto:
The case is currently available in three different colors red, black, or silver and is available for the iPhone 4/4s and the iPhone 5. If you want to get your hands on this case you can head to iZZi website and order the case for $239.99.
Bose Releases Lighting Compatible Dock
Bose has released a new sound dock that is compatible with Apple’s new lightning connector. The Bose SoundDock Series III. The new dock does away with the previous 30 pin connector and incorporates the new lightning connector. The dock uses same basic design from the previous Series II model.. The dock comes with the remote that controls basic iPhone and iPod functions: on/off, pause, volume, track seek/scan and playlist navigation. The dock retails for $250 dollars.
[Source]
Possible Sync Cable For The New iPhone
Veister, a company that specializes in USB cables tweeted a photo of what looks to be the sync cable for the next generation of iOS devices from Apple. With Apple’s announcement less than a month away we have already seen pictures of an 8-pin dock connector and 4-inch display which all tie into Apple’s new iPhone.
As always we don’t believe anything until Tim Cook says it is so. But even if this is just concept based off the leaked iPhone parts it is still interesting to see. I sure hope Apple has made more than enough dock adapters.
[Via]
T-Mobile Offering No Annual Contract Broadband Service
T-Mobile has started their new flexible no contract mobile broadband service passes. With these passes customers will be able to enjoy T-Mobile’s 4G network across a variety of mobile devices including tablets, mobile hotspots and laptop sticks.
The mobile broadband passes will start at $15 for 300MB that is good for a week of service and go up to $50 for 5GB that’s is good for a month. This new no contract option is great for travelers who just need data on and off. You simply reactive the device when needed and let the service expire without worry of additional fees.
Incipio Starts Reward Program For BlackBerry Users
Calling all BlackBerry users. Incipio has just launched their Incipio Rewards Program that is designed just for you BlackBerry users out there. The program offers a free, $10 pre-paid mobile application card to customers when they purchase any BlackBerry smartphone case.
“With the extensive growth of the BlackBerry market and as a proud partner of the Built for BlackBerry program, Incipio has developed an extensive range of accessories specifically designed to work with BlackBerry smartphones and the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Incipio currently offers a complete line of protective and enhancing case solutions for BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry Curve models.”
This $10 application card gives you access to a wide range of select BlackBerry applications. You can find out more about the program and cases by following this link. We are a big fan of Incipio and hope you check them out.
They also make cases for non-BlackBerry devices such as the iPhone.
Review: Yurbuds IronMan Inspire Pro Earbuds
I dislike earbuds. Before the advent of the “in-ear” variety, when the world was stuck with only iPod earbuds, I literally could not wear them. They didn’t stay in my ear for more than about 10 seconds, and those 10 seconds hurt. Then came along the in-ear headphones with the changeable silicon tips. Instead of trying to sit on your ear, these snuggly fit inside the ear canal itself. This made it so they didn’t fall out, but extended listening periods became painful. Now we have a hybrid of the two which promises to be the most comfortable earbuds you ever wear, and guaranteed not to fall out.
I’d never heard of Yurbuds before, but apparently the company is the #3 headphone vendor in the US. These headphones are designed specifically for athletes, by athletes, and are made of some pretty tough stuff.
The Yay
Comfort: These headphones are comfortable. They were in my ear for the entire 5 and a half hour trip home from CES, and never once did I have to take them out due to being uncomfortable.
Strength: I can’t say specifically what the headphones are made of, but I was told that the gauge of wire used in the headphones, coupled with the sheath material, give them the highest tensile strength of any headphones on the market. This means they will last. I have given them some pretty big yanks, and so far they are going strong with no sign of damage.
Water Resistance: All Yurbuds products are moisture and sweat resistant. This doesn’t mean you can go swimming in them, but it means that sweat and rain are not going to phase them. Read more
The Hub PRIZM Stand Supplies Your Recommended Daily Value of Ninja
There is a new accessory that has gotten my attention and that’s the Hub PRIZM stand. Already earning brownie points for being universal, the PRIZM just looks intense. Made of aircraft aluminum, this stand is made of 2 pieces that slide into each other, making it the smallest stand I have ever seen when packed up. They come in 2 sizes, one universal phone size and 1 universal tablet size. The tablet size is also perfect for holding books open. Although not advertised for it, I’m also pretty sure that they would make adequate self-defense weapons if the need arose.
Both sizes come in a staggering array of color choices. The phone size runs $24.95, and the tablet size runs $29.95. You can take a look at the color options at Hub’s website.