Image by Rob Schultz/Macworld
This week’s roundup includes an iPhone case that doubles as an Android phone. Is this the best of both worlds? We’re about to find out.
Image by ETSI Inc.
The Eye ($119 pledge on Kickstarter) is described by its makers as a “smart Android case for iPhone.” What does that mean? Well, it gives you a second phone screen—on the back side—in 1920 x 1080 resolution, which offers the Android OS. The case also expands storage up to 256GB with SD card slots, and adds to your battery life with a 2,800-mAh battery. It’s like two phones mashed into one.
Image by Gadget Shopping
The Universal Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard ($100 MSRP, on sale for $86.38) is compatible with most smartphones and tablets, and connects to both via Bluetooth. What makes this gadget interesting is the hinge-based design, making it easy to fold up and stick in your bag when it’s not in use.
Image by InDemand Design
OK, this isn’t precisely an iOS accessory, but the Nintendo Switch has caught our attention. The SwitchCharge (an $85 pledge via Indiegogo) improves on the new gaming system, adding 12 hours of battery life, an improved kickstand, and two game card slots.
Image by SaveSleeve
If you’re worried about the health effects of your electronics, but still want and need to use them, SafeSleeve’s anti-radiation cases for iPhone ($44.95 MSRP for iPhone 7, $49.95 MSRP for the iPhone 7 Plus) promises to block up to 99 percent of “potentially” harmful radiation. The cases are also functional and stylish, available in a variety of colors and including both a kickstand and a wallet.
Image by Sprimo
The Sprimo Personal Air Monitor (a pledge of $30 or more through Kickstarter) “senses airborne toxins and chemicals, as well as temperature and humidity, and gives you a real-time air quality score—anywhere.”
Image by Tonebands
Tonebands ($18 MSRP each, or $39 for the three-band collection) are Sport-style bands made of silicone—and one tiny, but possibly important, feature: different colored latch pins to match your Watch finish. “Not all Apple watches are silver!” the makers say. “We had black(-ish) watches and we wanted black(-ish) pins.” Gold and rose gold latches are coming soon; in the meantime, the bands themselves come in gray, white, and lavender.
Image by Zagg
Zagg’s line of wireless earbuds has a little something for everybody: The Charisma ($30 MSRP; same price on AmazonRemove product link) are pitched as “designed by women, for women,” while the Plugz ($30 MSRP; $23 on AmazonRemove product link) are described as “sleek and mobile.” The line also includes the Summit ($35 MSRP, pictured; $29 on AmazonRemove product link) and Impulse ($40 MSRP; $35 on AmazonRemove product link) earbuds.
Image by Speck
Speck’s Presidio Grip cases ($39.95 MSRP for iPhone 7; $44.95 MSRP for iPhone 7 Plus) offer a “no-slip grip” and a variety of bright colors, along with drop protection that will let your phone survive a fall of up to 10 feet. (The designs shown here are available exclusively through Speck, but you can get the case in other colors over at AmazonRemove product link starting at $16.)
Image by SlickWraps
The cool thing about these new Apple Retro Skins ( fittingly, $19.84 MSRP) is that they give your brand-new iPhone the look and feel of a old-school Mac. Remember the multi-hued rainbow colors of the old Apple logo? They’re back, baby!
Image by Band and Roll
The Sleeve Dandy (starting at €65/roughly $70) is dandy indeed, with a leather exterior and wool interior to protect and cradle your iPad in elegant luxury. It includes a back pocket suitable for an Apple Pencil and other small accessories for your tablet.
Image by Pad & Quill
P&Q’s Contega ($109.95 MSRP) is a “bookbound case” for the latest iPad, featuring “finely finished wood, the gorgeous, hand-applied, bonded leathers and book bindery cloth.” The best iPads, after all, smell like old libraries.
Author: Joel Mathis
Joel Mathis is a regular contributor to Macworld and TechHive. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and young son.