12/17, 9:00am
Trademark law requires Apple aggressively defend its marks
A small-time inventor in New Zealand has accomplished something Samsung has not: he has won against Apple in court. The case revolved around Hayden Crowther's use of the name "driPhone" for his line of waterproof phone cases. Apple, obligated by trademark law to "aggressively" protect its trademarks or risk losing them, sued over the concern that consumers would think the cases were an Apple product. A New Zealand court disagreed.
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12/16, 1:00pm
New folio cases for iPad mini with Retina display, holiday case for iPhone 5/5s/5c
Tech accessories designer SwitchEasy has released its latest protective cases for mobile Apple devices. Available for the iPad mini with Retina display are Canvas and Pelle folios. Also available for the iPhone 5 family is a holiday version of the Melt case, Melt Snow.
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12/06, 11:18am
Unusual design may allow iPhone to tilt up to 45 degrees
Gaming hardware maker Razer is working on a Made for iPhone-certified controller, a leak hints. Images depict a case-style product similar to the Logitech PowerShell, allegedly codenamed the Kazuyo. An unusual aspect though is the Kazuyo's ability to tilt an iPhone or iPod up roughly 45 degrees, potentially giving players a better viewing angle.
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12/05, 3:39pm
Venture thought to be worth over $1 million
TV host Ryan Seacrest and a venture co-founder have invested over $1 million in producing a keyboard case for the iPhone, the Typo Keyboard, sources say. The pair are eventually expected to invest over $5 million in their company, since other keyboard products are already in development. Seacrest claims that inspiration for the iPhone case came from the frustration of friends and peers carrying two phones: an iPhone as their main device, and a second phone for "typing and correspondence."
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12/04, 10:07am
Unique approach to iPad folios
STM is one of those companies that seems to fly under the radar when it comes to iPad accessories. They're better known for their general-purpose tablet and laptop bags; they are making inroads, though, having caught some attention with their Skinny and Grip cases. The Studio is a new design built exclusively for the Air and Mini, and in our review, we'll see if STM can make good on earlier progress.
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11/29, 11:50am
First Snugg case for iPad Air sticks to plan
Snugg's Distressed Brown Leather Case was something of a pleasant surprise when I reviewed it last year. I didn't expect much at first, considering that it's a low-cost case from a relatively unknown manufacturer. It quickly became a personal favorite though, and ended up being my usual go-to case in between other review units. The Robust Case is Snugg's flagship for the iPad Air -- we'll put it through the ringer and see if it can live up to its predecessors.
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11/25, 4:36pm
Signature folio gets update for new iPad
The very first Targus iPad Air case we had a chance to look at -- the Versavu Keyboard Case -- didn't exactly earn high marks. I disliked it so much, in fact, that I immediately pulled it off once the hands-on was finished. Thankfully, Targus' new Vuscape folio case seems a little more competent -- at least at first glance. We'll see if it surpasses that level in our review.
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11/16, 12:35pm
Acase releases Tip Top and F1 cases for iPad Air
Acase, a designer and manufacturer of mobile device accessories, has announced the availability of two lightweight iPad Air cases: the TipTop, which emphasizes functionality, and the F1 Case, that focuses on style. The TipTop can prop the tablet in six distinct angles, and includes a hand strap for preventing drops while holding it. The F1 provides users with a cover that also can prop the tablet for adequate typing usage, and sports a black and red aesthetic that likens itself to an Italian race car. Both cases are made of premium leather, and feature magnetic covers that automatically turn the iPad on or off. Available on Amazon, the F1 Case and TipTop are each regularly priced at $40 and currently on sale for $25 and $20 respectively.
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11/11, 4:25pm
Belkin aims high with early Air keyboard case
In a hands-on with the Targus Versavu Keyboard Case, I observed that buying a case around the launch of a new Apple device often entails compromise, since not every manufacturer is on board yet. Even if they are, they may only have a few options available -- designers do, after all, need to experiment to come up with something high-quality. Belkin's QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case is an early effort for the iPad Air, but we'll see in our review if that's necessarily a mark against it.
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11/08, 12:15pm
TuneIn Radio update features redesign and optimization for iOS 7
TuneIn Radio, a free radio app for iOS, lets users listen to a variety of streaming radio stations features sports, news, talk, and music programming. Listeners have access to 100,000 live radio stations and two million podcasts, concerts and shows, all of which can be streamed on an iPhone, iPad and iPod. In version 5, Tunein features a redesigned interface, optimized for iOS 7. Live college basketball games can also now be accessed, including every PAC-12 game. Also included in the update are bug fixes regarding playback and streaming errors, and issues pertaining to viewing recommendations upon swiping the Now Playing screen. TuneIn Radio is available on iTunes, and can also be accessed from the web.
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11/01, 5:17pm
Early effort at Air keyboard support
One of the downsides to the launch of a redesigned Apple device is that invariably, the number of case options is limited. People who need some form of protection ASAP may have to make compromises. The new iPad Air version of the Targus Versavu Keyboard Case may well be one of the compromises, but our hands-on experience suggests that most people will be better off waiting.
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10/28, 10:32am
FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, Ultrathin Keyboard Cover among upgrades
Accessory and peripheral maker Logitech has announced plans to update several of its cases for the iPad Air. Leading the pack are the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($99) and the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio ($149). The former has been a popular accessory for current-generation iPads, since it provides a minimalist option for both screen protection and carrying a keyboard.
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10/22, 4:13pm
Case provides same functions as Smart Cover
Apple has introduced several new accessories for its new iPad Air and Retina iPad mini. The new Smart Case offers the same articulated screen protector as the existing Smart Cover, folding into a triangular shape for use as a tilted stand, however it also brings additional wraparound protection for the back of the tablet.
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10/15, 1:00pm
Allows iPads to rotate 360 degrees
Accessory maker iHome has launched the Type Pro, a new Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad. The distinguishing feature is the ability to rotate an iPad 360 degrees while still in its holder. The case is compatible with second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPads.
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10/14, 1:15pm
Might take after third-gen 9.7-inch iPad
The second-generation iPad mini may be slightly thicker in order to accommodate changes related to a Retina display, suggests Macotakara. The site recently attended a conference in China, where early third-party cases for the new Mini were on hand. The accessories were reportedly built to fit a tablet 7.5mm thick and 134.9mm wide. The first-gen Mini, by contrast, is 7.2mm thick and 134.7mm wide.
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10/12, 6:19pm
Kickstarter campaign aims to bring tiny TouchFire to iPad mini
TouchFire, makers of the TouchFire screen-top keyboard for the full-size iPad, are now back with a similar offering for the iPad mini. The company has reached its funding goal in a Kickstarter campaign for the iPad mini add-on, and the device will likely begin shipping to early supporters soon. In addition to a removable keyboard attachment for the iPad mini, TouchFire has branched off into a line of cases for full-size iPads and the iPad mini.
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09/26, 1:11pm
Covers fit new, narrower design
A new video shows what are allegedly redesigned Smart Covers for the fifth-generation iPad. To demonstrate this, two of the covers, obtained by Unbox Therapy, are attached to a leaked chassis for the fifth-gen tablet. The covers fit exactly, even though the chassis is narrower than the current fourth-gen iPad. Gray, black, red, pink, orange, blue, white, and green colors are reportedly in production.
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09/16, 8:00pm
Available in six color choices for a range of 30 possible combinations
Some customers who ordered the forthcoming iPhone 5c and one of the new color cases to go with it are receiving the covers already, ahead of the iPhone 5c shipping. Apple's $29 silicone cases for the iPhone 5c come in a total of six possible color options to mix and match among the five color choices for the iPhone 5c itself. Critics have pointed out that the design of the holes on the back side of the cases allow letters and partial wording on the back of the iPhone to be seen, but the overall effect of the holes showcases the color of the phone.
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09/10, 2:00pm
Touch ID sensor brings fingerprint recognition to iPhone
During Apple's omnibus iPhone and iOS 7 announcement today, Apple officially revealed the iPhone 5s. The device boasts Apple's new 64-bit A7 processor, and is constructed of "high-grade aluminum" with chamfered edges, now being offered in three colors: silver, gold, and a new "Space Gray" color. Also added to the phone are a new motion-sensing chip, as well as a greatly improved camera and flash system.
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09/10, 1:46pm
Prices to start at $99
Today Apple officially announced the iPhone 5C, a new mid-tier model. The device uses a seamless plastic back shell, available in green, yellow, blue, white, and pink colors. Apple is also touting a reinforced steel structure, along with a 4-inch Retina display, an 8-megapixel iSight camera, an A6 processor, and a FaceTime HD front camera. The phone supports LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0.
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09/03, 10:23am
Coincides with expected iPhone 5S, 5C launch date
Accessory maker Case-Mate is preparing iPhone 5C cases with an estimated ship date of September 20th at 8AM, says Evleaks. Photos (below) depict a plastic shell/bumper combo, as well as a folio-style case with fabric lining. The 20th is widely believed to be the launch date for both the iPhone 5C and 5S; Apple and several US carriers have even blocked vacations during that timeframe.
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08/30, 11:45pm
Expansion of Helium line of iPhone 5 case
Accessory maker Mophie has announced its release of color options for its iPhone 5 Juice Pack Helium charging cases. The battery-charging cases extend the life of the phone's battery capacity to 3000mAh, and allow for up to six additional hours of talk time on 3G, seven extra hours on Wi-Fi, 30 more hours of audio playback, or seven hours of extra video playback. Alongside the original dark metallic and silver color options, user can now choose blue, purple, pink, green or red for their Juice Pack Helium cases. With a one-year warranty, the new Juice Pack Helium iPhone 5 cases are priced at $80, and available on Mophie's site.
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07/17, 12:45pm
SLXtreme accessories now available for iPhone 5 and iPad
Snow Leopard has expanded their collection of heavy-duty cases, offering waterproof protection as well as battery charge supplementing to a users' iPhone 5 and iPad. The SLXtreme case for iPhone, the SLXtreme 5, has an integrated 2250mAh battery, powered by a solar panel, doubling the battery capacity of the phone. The case is designed to be waterproof down to six feet while maintaining full functionality. SLXtreme for iPad protects the iPad 2 or later, and offers waterproof protection for underwater and splash-prone environments. Optionally available is a built-in 1150mAh battery, complete with a USB out that enables users to charge other mobile devices while on the go. Both available in Fall 2013, the SLXtreme 5 will be priced at $130, and SLXtreme iPad for $150 with battery and $100 without.
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07/11, 1:05pm
Win a G-Form Xtreme notebook, iPad or iPhone case
Summer is here, and for many people that means being outside and occasionally participating in some extreme activities. G-Form -- makers of innovative athletic protective gear -- have created a collection of awesome protective cases made with the same proprietary G-Form materials to keep MacBooks, iPhones and iPads safe as well. MacNN has a few of these cases to give away. Find out more about the state-of-the-art technology used to create these cases, and how to enter to win.
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06/28, 2:42pm
'Select' stores getting special cases
A "select" group of US Apple Stores will be getting American flag-themed iPhone cases "starting next week," according to an internal memo. Specific stores haven't been identified, and the cases aren't described beyond their having "superior quality polycarbonate with ultra high resolution designs." Likewise, prices and compatibility haven't been mentioned.
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06/19, 10:42am
Plans back notion of thicker, curvier 'iPhone Light'
Leaked schematics -- allegedly drawn by Apple, and now in the hands of a major accessory maker -- show the dimensions of the iPhone 5S and an "iPhone Lite/Light," according to AppleInsider. The 5S appears to maintain roughly the same design as its predecessor, but with a pill-shaped flash on the back that may fit dual LEDs. The iPhone Light plans match recent rumors and case production surrounding a low-cost iPhone. That includes details like a thicker body, and rounded edges.
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06/18, 10:32am
Consistent with recent rumors
A Japanese case maker, MGM Corp., has produced what news site Macotakara claims is a case for the rumored low-cost iPhone. Compared with an equally thin case for the iPhone 5, the new one is said to be 2mm thicker, and use rounded edges instead of flat ones. A rear cutout appears to leave enough space for a camera lens and a flash.
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06/14, 12:58pm
New keyboard case may be more form than function
Since the fourth-generation iPad didn't evolve much over its predecessor, the market for iPad accessories has remained somewhat static, to put it mildly. Certainly some new gear had to be produced for the Lightning connector, but even now most iPad cases will still accommodate the old 30-pin format. It takes a little extra to make a case stand out, and that's what Logitech seems to have had in mind with the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio. In our review, we'll see if it's enough to justify the FabricSkin's pricetag -- a colossal $150.
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06/06, 3:40pm
Could hint at shape of final tablet
A US accessory maker, Hard Candy Cases, has announced a pair of "iPad 5" cases, even though Apple has yet to debut the tablet. Hard Candy says it expects the device to be revealed during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 10th, and is taking a "gamble" that its cases -- the ShockDrop and the Squish -- reflect the hardware's final design. The accessories can be preordered for $35 and $50, respectively.
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05/22, 6:50pm
Fate of LifeProof cases unknown
At an event today at this week's CTIA conference, major casemaker OtterBox announced the acquisition of one of its chief rivals, LifeProof. The former says it will keep LifeProof's San Diego location, and that workers will remain in their current place. "Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family," an OtterBox statement reads. "More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration."
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05/15, 10:44pm
Adds 2,100mAh battery
Accessory maker Mophie has launched an iPhone 5 version of the Juice Pack Plus. The new case adds a 2,100mAh battery, which can roughly double the usable life of an iPhone. It in fact holds slightly more power than the Plus for the iPhone 4/4S, which is rated at 2,000mAh.
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05/09, 5:14pm
Win a Bracketron Sport Case with Strap Mount
With spring in full force and summer right around the corner, it's hard not to think about getting outside for some biking, hiking and water sports -- and keeping an iPhone or iPod safe while on these adventures is essential. Bracketron has come up with a great water-resistant protective case with a strap that can be used to securely attach the device to a bike or anywhere else. MacNN has one of these handy cases to give away; read on to learn more about this case and find out how to enter to win.
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04/16, 4:22pm
Case resembles previous case, iPad metals leaks
A case purported to be for a new model of iPad was acquired earlier today by Engadget. The case appears to closely resemble the dimensions and chamfering of previously-leaked cases earlier in the year. According to the staff at the booth, the case is based on a "leaked" mold from the factory making the case parts for Apple.
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04/04, 4:24pm
Extends life of iPad, other devices
It's not often an iPad case comes with a manual, even a short one, but it seems like an increasing number of models include some form of electronics. The Props Power Case needs a manual for its integrated lithium ion battery -- we received an 8,000mAh unit, although a 12,000mAh model is also available. In our review, we'll test how well the case works as both protection and a power supply.
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03/08, 3:31pm
Win an iSkin Slims case for the iPhone 5
Keeping an iPhone safe from scuffs and scratches, day in and day out, can be tricky, and a lot of protective cases add too much extra bulk to make them practical. One solution is to make a thinner case, and iSkin has done exactly that with the iSkin Slims. MacNN has teamed up with iSkin to give away twelve of the world's thinnest and lightest iPhone 5 case ever made to our readers.
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02/25, 1:40pm
Could be based on rumors or leaked data
Several listings for new "iPad 5" cases have appeared on e-commerce site Alibaba, reports note. In each instance the cases seem to assume that the next iPad will take after the design of the iPad mini, for example using similar slots for buttons, microphones, and speakers. They also appear to share less gradually-rounded edges than the fourth-generation iPad.
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02/11, 5:46am
New iPhone 5 cases from Lunatik coming soon
Lunatik has placed its new TAKTIK, SEISMIK and FLAK cases for the iPhone 5 up for pre-order. The new cases place an emphasis on shock protection for outdoor users, or users looking for some additional drop protection beyond the average case. The SEISMIK will be familiar to users of the Lunatik TAKTIK case for the iPhone 4.
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01/16, 9:15pm
Four new designs added to protective lineup
STM Bags, an Australian manufacturer of protective and ergonomically-designed laptop bags and accessories, has announced the availability of four new iPad mini cases. The new collection features the Skinny, Grip, Marquee and Jacket D7 designs. All four cases are available at retail now.
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12/26, 10:41am
Attempts to provide alternative to dedicated sports cameras
Accessory maker Mophie has launched the OutRide, a new camera case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The gear creates a polycarbonate housing for an iPhone with a 170-degree wide-angle lens, effectively turning an iPhone into a first-person sports camera similar to a GoPro. An included waterproof add-on lets users submerse an iPhone as far as 5 meters.
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12/04, 1:58pm
Core designs of iPhone 4, iPad 2 secured
Apple has won the rights to several important design patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office. These include the look of the iPhone 4, which is credited in part to lead designer Jonathan Ive, as well as the company's co-founder, Steve Jobs. Ive is also cited in all the other new patents, such as one for the iPhone 4 "Bumper" case.
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11/15, 10:00pm
Win a Q Card Case for iPhone!
How many times do you run out of the house in the morning while talking on the iPhone, and then get to Starbucks only to find out that you forgot your wallet and thought to yourself "wouldn't it be great if my phone was a wallet." Well fortunately CM4 already has a solution for that, the Q Card Case for iPhone 4/4S and 5 MacNN has teamed up with CM4 to give away one of their cases to our readers. Read on to find out more about this case, and how you can enter to win.
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10/31, 7:02am
Gear4 adds new case designs to iPhone 5 cover range
Gear4 has revealed its range of cases for the iPhone 5. The new range includes a number of cases that are fairly nontraditional in their appearance, such as the edge-protecting Band ($20) that leaves the front and rear accessible while protecting the handset from shock damage. Thin Ice ($20) provides protection with its tough plastic design with a liquid rubber back, while also being the thinnest case for the iPhone 5 that Gear4 has to offer.
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10/29, 11:25am
iPhone case slated for November
FreedomPop has launched the Freedom Sleeve Rocket, a promised case for the iPod touch. The accessory costs $99, but opens access to FreedomPop's 4G services, which run on Clearwire's WiMAX network. The first 500MB of data is free, but costs go up to $10 per GB after that threshold. The current case also only works with third- and fourth-generation Touches.
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10/19, 2:31pm
iPad cases, flash drives and hard drives
Deals from DealNN this week include price cuts on iPad cases, flash drives, hard drives and more. The Dyconn Pad Folio iPad keyboard case is available today at Newegg.com for the reduced price of $34.99, which is $65 off the list price of $99.99 and about $30 less than the lowest price we have seen on this case anywhere else. The Dyconn Pad Folio iPad case features a wireless Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard with detachable sleeve. A one year warranty on parts and labor is included from Dyconn.
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10/03, 6:44pm
Cases allegedly show up at Australian store
Corroborating recent rumors, several iPad mini cases have allegedly arrived ahead of schedule at a retailer in Australia. Although case leaks from small companies are typically dubious, Product Feedback claims to have received iPad mini cases produced and packaged by Cygnett, a relatively large company in the accessory business, rather than a prototype built by a startup.
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09/26, 9:44pm
Griffin bands up with Otis James for designer iPhone cases
Otis James, a Nashville-based tie and hat maker, and accessory vendor Griffin have partnered to create a line of handmade protective sleeves for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 which will be sold exclusively in Griffin’s London store and on Griffin’s website. Griffin + Otis James iPhone Sleeves features the trademark Otis James hand-made design, with a pocket on front that stores credit cards and cash. The Griffin + Otis James cases are available beginning today for $75 on Griffin's website.
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09/25, 11:48pm
Road Warriors looking to protect their MacBook should consider Speck
While hard cases for Apple’s iPhones are a dime a dozen, Speck is one of the few manufacturers that makes hard cases for Apple’s line of MacBook computers. Although many MacBook owners looking to protect their investment from damage have been prepared to buy a Speck case in the past, a common criticism is that though tough, they come at the expense of added weight and bulk. Speck has tried to address this shortcoming with its new SmartShell for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display.
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09/21, 3:09pm
Cases include anti-glare camera ring as standard
Cover manufacturer iSkin has started production on four different ranges of iPhone 5 cases. The Fall 2012 Collection includes both soft and firm cases and a fairly wide array of construction materials, all of which take into account the extra size and differences that the iPhone 5 has compared to previous versions.
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09/13, 10:18pm
Upgrades of existing cases, military-grade protection offered
Following the unveiling by Apple of the iPhone 5 yesterday, case and accessory manufacturers have started to make products for the new phone. A number are opting to create cases with unique selling points, such as military-grade handset protection, with some designs appearing to be similar to cases for the iPhone 4 and 4s, albeit with obvious modifications for the new size and port placements.
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09/13, 7:38pm
Three companies presented demonstrate wide range available
Less than 24 hours after the new iPhone has been announced, more cases have been unveiled for the device. The new cases range from the utilitarian Bulldozer from Cygnett, to the luxury offerings from Italian leather company Orbino. Most cases are available for preorder today, and will ship by the beginning of October.
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