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This week’s roundup includes Beats’ much-anticipated earphones, plus batteries, chargers, cases, and more. Read on!
Image by Apple
Finally, BeatsX Earphones ($149.95 MSRP) are available— or will be Friday, at any rate. They provide up to eight hours of audio playback on a single charge; the “Fast Fuel” feature lets you charge the earphones for five minutes to get two hours of playback. They’re Apple-friendly, too, designed to simultaneously connect to your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac via Bluetooth.
Image by BiteMyApple
The Bonx Grip ($140 MSRP) is a kind of iOS-enabled walkie-talkie system—designed, the makers say, for “group talk” among groups of outdoor athletes. Speak, and the Bluetooth-enabled device shares your voice with your app-enabled iPhone, which then transmits your speech to other members of your group.
Image by Fujifilm
The Instax Share SP-2 Smart Phone Printer ($200 MSRP; $170 on AmazonRemove product link) lets you create instant prints of your iOS photos. Share your chosen pics via its companion app, and they’ll be printed in 256-color high-resolution glory. It’s available in silver and gold.
Image by Griffin
Griffin’s Beam system is designed for use in healthcare settings—a bar code scanner becomes a 2,200-mAh battery case for an iPhone, letting users scan medicine and other items to ensure they’re going to the right patient. Griffin says the system “harnesses the power of iOS in a rugged, dependable platform that will streamline your clinical workflow.”
Image by Jays
a-Jays Five ($69 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) earbuds include a full-feature 3-button inline remote, as well as an in-line mic that includes an acoustic sensor, a low-noise input buffer, and an output amplifier. As for the buds themselves, Jay promises “power and precise bass” along with “a lively dynamic range” for great-sounding vocals.
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The Backpacker Air Tripod ($125 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) is made of lightweight aluminum, and can convert to a selfie stick—just “use the included phone mount and bluetooth shutter remote to snap perfect pics of your solo travel.” It can extend up to five feet, but weighs less than two pounds so you can carry it easily with you on your travels.
Image by Spigen
Several new products from Spigen, including the (pictured here) Quick Charge 2.0 ($22 MSRP; $13 on AmazonRemove product link), a dual-USB-port car charger that identifies the optimal charging speed for your device, the Essential USB Car Charger ($17 MSRP; $9 on AmazonRemove product link), another dual-USB charger, and the Mini Portable Power Bank ($19 MSRP; $11 on AmazonRemove product link), a 3,350-mAh battery that adds up to 14 hours of talk time to your phone.
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The Wally Ether ($35 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) is a “barely there” slim-shell case that lets you carry up to three credit cards with you. A pull-tab on the case let you access the cards unobtrusively. Say the makers: “no one will know you’re carrying cards, because our signature Wally Pull-Tab ribbon reveals your hidden contents.”
Image by Vaultskin
The Eton Armour wallet case ($50 MSRP; $20 on AmazonRemove product link) is built to protect both your phone and your cash—smart rubber padding absorbs the shock of most drops, while an Italian leather pocket affixed to the exterior is an excellent place to store your cash, up to 10 credit cards, or an I.D.
Image by Capra Leather
The Leather iPad Pro sleeve ($115 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) is a handmade, hand stitched iPad Pro case made of full-grain leather. Inside, it features an Apple Pencil pocket in black suede. The makers say, “The durable, attractive saddle stitching is done by hand, since no machine is strong or complex enough to handle the heavy waxed thread.” It’s big enough to handle your tablet with the Smart Keyboard or Smart Cover attached.
Image by TwelveSouth
BookBook for iPad Pro ($100 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) is the latest tablet folio from this company. On the outside, it looks like an aged, even antique book. Open it up to find your iPad Pro inside; the folio can fold into a presentation mode to share your work. It also includes a holster for your Apple Pencil. The BookBook is also available for the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4.
Author: Joel Mathis
Joel Mathis is a regular contributor to Macworld and TechHive. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and young son.