This week’s roundup of accessories for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod includes gear designed to endure weather extremes: If it’s wet or cold, you’ll still be able to use your iOS device.
The $90 Braven 440 is a waterproof, wireless speaker that can play tunes for up to 12 hours on a single charge and comes in five different colors. The Bluetooth speaker also works as a backup battery, letting you charge your iOS device via the 440’s USB port. The 440 is lightweight, too, meaning you can take your tunes wherever you go.
The $50 Powerball speakers offer a unique design twist compared to your run-of-the-mill Bluetooth speakers: Each Powerball looks like a set decoration from the Tom Baker era of Doctor Who. The speaker is available in six colors, and offers up to 12 hours of wireless music playback on a single charge.
The $100 iRig BlueBoard is, according to the developer, “the first wireless MIDI pedalboard for iOS and Mac that allows you to control your music apps and more from the floor.” The foot-activated MIDI switch lets you switch between presets, change patches, and control effects. It’s powered by four AAA batteries.
The $100 Contour Overnight Backpack lets you make your way quickly through airport security while carrying your Apple gear: As Kensington puts it, “Simply unzip the backpack, lay it flat and let it pass through the X-ray machine.” The bag fits your iPad and most laptops, and it includes a headphone port for listening to your iPhone or iPod touch.
The $55 SafeGrip is a rugged carrying case and stand for the iPad that’s designed for classroom use so your tablet can “survive the rigors of the K-6 environment.” The case provides a carrying handle, plenty of protection for the iPad itself, and even a screen cover. It’s designed to take a licking and keep your iPad ticking.
The $25 TwoHands II is a stylish stand for your iPad that’s available in black, blue, or pink. When the clip (which really does look like two hands holding your tablet) isn’t in use, it can be folded up and tossed in your bag or a drawer. The TwoHands II is available only at Target.com.
This company never stops finding new ways to keep your hands warm while using your iPhone or iPad. The $123 Leather Crochet Touchscreen Gloves are exactly what they sound like: “a well-considered combination of Ethiopian lambskin leather and crocheted Egyptian cotton.” The leather is integrated with “nanotechnology” to make it touchscreen-compatible.
The $70 4-in-1 Lens System is built to give iPhone photgraphers an array of choices: a fisheye lens, a wide-angel lens, a 10x macro lens, and a 15x macro lends. The device fits quickly and easily over your iPhone’s own camera lens; the rest of the time, it’s small inough to fit in your pocket, waiting patiently to be used.
The $22 HandEBand Slide is a single-finger grip for the back of your iPhone or iPod touch, It’s designed to keep the profile of your iOS device slim enough to fit in your pocket while still improving the grasp-ability of your phone.
The $80 Quest mounting system comes with an armband, a car mount, and a bike mount, meaning you can take your iPhone in nearly every form of transportation and still have it available for comfortable use. Each mount is compatible with Seido’s Obex case for iPhone 5.
The $200 NX-P100 is a portable Bluetooth speaker system that can play tunes from your iPhone or iPad, wirelessly, for up to eight hours on a single charge. The speaker has a splashproof design, and in a pinch it can be used as a backup battery for your iOS device, recharging your phone via the speaker’s 5V 1A USB output. Also new from Yamaha is the $600 AirPlay-equipped R-N500 receiver.
Author: Joel Mathis
Joel Mathis is a regular contributor to Macworld and TechHive. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and young son.