01/26, 11:51am
STM announces Dux rugged cases for iPad, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
STM Bags has announced the release of its new Dux case for iPad, along with versions for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Described as offering "rugged" protection from drops and general wear and tear, the Dux case consists of a rubberized bracket and polycarbonate exterior. Its clear back allows for customizing the appearance of the device, or letting the back of the iPhone or iPad remain visible. The Dux for iPad (priced at $50) features sizes designed for iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 2 through 4, iPad mini, as well as mini 2 and 3, and is available in blue, red, and black. Dux for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (priced at $30) are available in black and red.
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01/08, 3:54pm
Offers keyboard, extra battery life
Accessory maker Kensington has announced a new case for the iPad Air 2, the KeyFolio Thin X3 Plus. While including a Bluetooth keyboard, its most notable feature may actually be a built-in 4500mAh battery. Through USB, this lets users fully charge an iPhone two or three times, or an iPad up to 50 percent of a full charge. A free iOS app tracks how much battery power is left.
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01/07, 11:42am
Maker cautions that real experience will vary based on carrier and location
A company called Antenna79 has launched the Reach79, a case claimed to boost cellular signals for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The key is an embedded gold-plated antenna layer, allegedly CETECOM-tested to improve signal strength by an average of 1.6 times, peaking at twice normal levels. Antenna79 suggests this can result not only in better coverage, but faster downloads and improved battery life, since a phone doesn't have to struggle as much to find a connection.
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01/07, 10:36am
Release date sometime this year
Otterbox-owned LifeProof has announced the fre Power, a battery case for the iPhone 6. The product supplies 2600mAh of power, said to double an iPhone's regular life. More significantly, however, the case safeguards against water, drops, and dust/snow, partly through its shell but also via a built-in screen protector. The case is said to be waterproof at depths of 2m (6.6 feet )for up to an hour, and LifeProof also claims that the case meets milspec standards for shock and impact, protecting against drops up to 6.6 feet. In addition, the ports can be sealed to prevent particles from getting in.
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01/06, 2:47pm
Tech requires AT&T Mobile Share plan
AT&T has announced the Modio, a case that adds LTE support to otherwise Wi-Fi-only iPad models. Initially, the only version will be available for the iPad mini (all generations), but an edition for the iPad Air and Air 2 is promised down the road. AT&T has yet to set prices or launch dates for either option, however.
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01/06, 1:19pm
Promises up to 12 extra hours of web use
Charging specialist Mophie has launched anticipated Juice Pack battery cases for Apple's latest iPhone models. For the iPhone 6, buyers have access to the Juice Pack Air or the Juice Pack Plus. Both come in black, white, or gold colors. The Air is a $100, 2750mAh model that doubles battery life; the Plus costs $120, and boosts longevity by 120 percent, while also adding an "impact isolation system" that protects against more severe hits.
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12/20, 3:11pm
Procreate for iPad creators debut Pocket version for iPhone
Savage Interactive has released an iPhone version of its illustration app Procreate Pocket, a scaled-down version of its iPad app Procreate. Intended for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Procreate Pocket is powered by a 64-bit Silica engine, offering a variety of drawing tools and 250 levels of "Undo." Among its features, its 18 layers of Blend Modes allow for versatile composition, and 1080p video recording option can document all stages of the drawing process without interruption. Priced at $3, Procreate Pocket requires iOS 8.1 or later.
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12/13, 5:24pm
SwitchEasy announces Camos, Boombox cases for iPhone 6, Numbers case for iPhone 6 Plus
SwitchEasy has announced the upcoming release of three new iPhone cases: the Camo and Boombox for iPhone 6, and Numbers for iPhone 6 Plus. The Camo is created by way of 3D printing, and features a camouflage aesthetic. Aiming to protect an iPhone from wear and tear without adding additional bulk, the Camo case is priced at $20 and will be available in blue, yellow and orange.
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12/11, 5:23pm
New cases must survive 1m drops
Apple has instituted a new rule for Made for iPhone (MFi) licensing, requiring all cases to protect against drops of at least 1m (3.3 feet) over hard surfaces, sources say. That also includes any orientation, even in the direction of the display. Similarly, cases for all iOS devices must now offer a buffer of at least 1mm between the display and a flat surface when the device is upside-down. To achieve that, they can either cover the display glass completely or use a lip around the edge.
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11/19, 11:14pm
Briefly: AnyAngle iPad case, Red Giant Universe 1.3
Logitech has announced the introduction of a new protective case in its suite of tablet products, the Logitech AnyAngle for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini. Featuring an integrated, hidden hinge, the case holds an iPad at any angle within a 50-degree range, keeping that angle in place without tipping or sliding. The stand folds behind the iPad as to create a minimalist appearance, and magnets also secure the stand and assist in holding an angled position. The has a rubberized frame that protects the tablet from accidental bumps and drops, and its hidden magnets keep the case securely closed as to prevent scratches and cracks. Available in a variety of colors, the AnyAngle case will be available this month for $60.
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11/17, 3:37pm
Origin PC sells Millennium, Genesis cases to celebrate its five-year anniversary
Custom computer builder Origin PC is celebrating its five-year anniversary, kicking it off with a special sale to commemorate the occasion. Origin PC announced that it's giving consumers the chance to buy the custom computer cases used for its Millennium and Genesis desktops for a limited time. Both cases feature Origin PC's industrial design and variable mounting, which allows the system parts to be configured in four different ways that include standard, 90-degree and inverted mounting options.
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11/04, 4:40pm
A rugged case...for those who need it
For some people, the best protection options for an iPad are probably the simplest. An AppleCare+ plan, for instance, may be $99 up front -- and cost an extra $49 per accident -- but will let you forego a case entirely, or at least pick a case for style over substance. And on the most basic level, you can just be cautious and keep your iPad out of anything like a dangerous situation. That may not be an option though, and for that, there are cases like the Griffin Survivor Slim.
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11/04, 3:50pm
Sound dampened Silencio 652S, 352 computer cases coming to North America
Cooler Master announced today that it is bringing two of its PC cases that focus on minimal design and noise reduction to North America. The Silencio 352 and 652S are on their way to vendors now, says the company, meaning the ATX and Mini-ATX tower cases will be made available to consumers soon. Both of the cases make use of sound-dampening panels in various places in the case, including the side panels and front door.
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10/30, 11:35am
As much a fashion statement as practical
Modern iPad cases are built not only to suit a wide range of uses, but a wide range of incomes, and both of those factors come into play with one of WaterField's first products for the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, the Outback Slip Case. On a functional level, it's relatively straightforward: it's a cushioned sleeve that you slide an iPad into. WaterField makes four variants, split between the Air and the Mini, and whether you want one sized to accommodate a Smart Cover as well. We tested the Air 2/Smart Cover edition.
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10/29, 4:56pm
Keys-To-Go supports all iOS devices
Logitech has announced a trio of new iPad keyboard accessories, beginning with updates of its Type+ and Ultrathin cases for the iPad Air 2. The Type+ is a thin folio design, with features such as automatic wake/sleep magnets for both an iPad and the keyboard itself. It costs $100, and comes in black, blue, green, or purple, with extra "synthetic" versions of the first two colors.
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10/19, 5:33pm
Tumblr releases OS X app, features full screen viewing, easy posting
Blogging social platform Tumblr has released a native OS X app. A microblogging service, Tumblr lets users share media ranging from text, photos, music, links, video and more. Tumbler's app for OS X features a full-screen viewing option, and additionally allows posting to Tumblr from anywhere on one's Mac that has a Share button in its window. Free to download, the new Tumblr app requires OS X 10.10.
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10/16, 4:40pm
New SIM tech lets users switch between carriers
The iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, both announced today, will also come with a new SIM card dubbed the Apple SIM. Previously, people ordering a cellular iPad had to choose their carrier in advance. The Apple SIM will let buyers pick a single iPad and quickly switch between AT&T, Sprint, or T-Mobile plans in the US, and even EE in the UK. Verizon is not participating, and the service will require activating through a store.
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09/18, 4:28pm
Shrike update teased at PAX Prime made official, upgrades include DPI, LED lighting
Tesoro officially announced the update to the Shrike laser gaming mouse today, a new version that the company had on display at Penny Arcade Expo earlier this month. The mouse retains the same styling and some of the features of the original Shrike, including the adjustable weight system, eight programmable buttons and 128KB memory. The sensor in the mouse has been updated, bumping the DPI from 5600dpi to 8200dpi. An improved version of the software is being released for the mouse, with the LED color programming updated as well.
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09/16, 4:33pm
Phones still waiting for Sept. 19th
Early orders of Apple's official cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are beginning to reach customers, user reports indicate. While the company usually gives strict instructions to courier services that prevent them from delivering iPhones and iPads before a launch date, it doesn't do the same for accessories. The strict timing with hardware is believed to be for the sake of marketing impact, as well as deterring scalpers.
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09/10, 5:54pm
Otterbox releases cases compatible with upcoming iPhone 6
Otterbox has announced a new lineup of cases for the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The Defender Series, Commuter Series, Commuter Series Wallet, Symmetry Series and Clearly Protected screen protectors are all now available for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, with iPhone 6 Plus cases due to be available soon. Pricing starts at $20 for screen protectors, and $40 for cases.
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08/03, 2:42pm
New full tower case features signature brushed aluminum design, tool-less features
Lian Li has announced a new brushed aluminum case in its lineup, adding the full tower PC-V2130 chassis. The new case features support for water cooling, including four positions for radiators 240mm or 280mm in size. The PC-V2130 supports a number of motherboards, including ATX, XL-ATX and Micro-ATX. Up to 11 drives, 2.5 or 3.5-inches in size, can be installed in hard drive bays or on the back of the motherboard tray, with an additional four 2.5-inch drives in a removable bracket. Lian Li's new case uses tool-less design for PCI card mounting, thumbscrews for front plate removal and side panel removal with only two latches. Consumers worried about the size and weight of the case will be happy to know that it includes four wheels for easy movement.
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07/16, 5:35pm
WaterField Solo case for MacBook Air
Since the beginning, Apple has created devices that merge style and function into one. For many years now, WaterField Designs has been staying ahead of the curve with stylish carrying cases, laptop sleeves and bags that complement Apple devices. They have recently updated their popular Outback Solo case for the new, faster MacBook Air. MacNN has three of these to give away to our readers.
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07/16, 9:41am
Car accessory mounts iPhone to air vents
Logitech has announced a pair of new accessories for the iPhone 5 and 5s. The first is the Protection+, a case with a tough external shell and a rubber internal layer to absorb some of the force of impacts. Its edges are deliberately raised to guard the screen. Phones in the case should be able to withstand drops up to 1.8 meters, or roughly 6 feet.
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06/17, 6:53pm
Cases feature aluminum design with modular 5.25-inch cage, removable drive bays
Lian Li has announced two new brushed aluminum mid-tower computer cases today that will be available for purchase later in the month. The company introduced the PC-B16 and PC-A61 chassis, both featuring modular 5.25-inch and removable hard disk drive (HDD) bays. Each case features a tool-less design for moving the HDD tray system, and offers ample space for water cooling.
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05/19, 3:05pm
SmartShell, FlexFit, and SlimShell cases now available for iPad Air, mini and iPhone 5
Patriot has announced the launch of three new cases for iPad Air, iPad mini and iPhone 5 family, featuring various polycarbonate designs. The SmartShell has an integrated polycarbonate casing with a microfiber material screen cover, providing 360-degree coverage with elevated bezels for screen protection. The FlexFit is thinner, and offers more basic scratch protection. Featuring a "Smart Sleep" function, the iPad enters sleep mode when the cover is closed over, and reactivates upon opening. Both iPad cases' covers fold into a multi-position stands for various viewing and typing angles.
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05/13, 11:15am
5.5-inch iPhone largely ignored by casemakers until now
New photos obtained by French site Nowhereelse.fr show early third-party cases claimed to be for a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a 5.5-inch "iPhone 6S." While the 4.7-inch iPhone has been documented in a number of mockups and case samples, its 5.5-inch counterpart has been largely absent, despite numerous reports about both sizes shipping later this year. The two new cases are consistent with other recent leaks, including details like a relocated power button. Their labels are likely placeholders however, given that Apple usually reserves "S" designations for interim iPhone refreshes instead of major redesigns.
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05/01, 7:19pm
DodoCase launches new Recover wood iPhone case, available in five wood patterns
American tech accessories producer DodoCase has released a new set of wood-clad iPhone 5 and 5s-compatible cases under the name Recover. Composed of a natural wood backplate that is inlayed into a polycarbonate bumper, Recover's low profile and snap-fit construction offer a slim design as well as suitable protection from general wear for one's iPhone. The case leaves full access to all buttons and ports, and its wide camera opening ensures photo capturing is unobstructed. Available wood choices include Walnut, White Feather, Bamboo, Wenge Stripe and Recycled Skateboard Deck Wood, the Recover Wood iPhone 5/5s case is priced at $40.
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04/24, 12:54pm
Simple designs, different directions
On Tuesday Logitech announced several new iPad cases. Here at MacNN we were given a chance to try two of them, the Hinge and the Turnaround, both in versions for the iPad Air. Since they're relatively straightforward cases, we thought we'd give them a simple-hands-on rather than full reviews.
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04/22, 3:05pm
Ultrathin gets lighter, more angles
Logitech today officially launched three new cases for the iPad Air and the iPad mini. Leading these is the Big Bang, which merges a compact folio design with shock-absorbing material; Logitech claims the case can survive drops from as high as 1.4m, or about 4.6 feet. The front and back are also covered with liquid-resistant materials. The Air version of the case costs $100, while the Mini edition is $80.
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04/18, 3:41pm
Folio tries to bridge paper and tablet worlds
Before we get rolling, I'll confess: I've never understood the purpose of cases like the Booqpad. If you've got a tablet, surely part of the point is being able to ditch paper entirely. In practice of course, there are times when a pen and paper are handy -- but can that justify building an entire case around the concept? I suppose we'll have to put the Booqpad to the test.
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04/11, 11:04am
Leaks emerging from Apple suppliers?
A new photo shows what are alleged to be two of the first third-party cases produced for the iPhone 6. While there are no earlier iPhones or accessories in the image for comparison, the cases are said to fit 4.7- and 5.5/5.7-inch devices. One unusual aspect of their design is the presence of an extra cutout on one side, and what appears to be a relocated power button cutout on top. It's unclear what the additional cutout might be for.
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04/03, 11:23am
Case for the constant traveler
For professional use, the iPad is something of a strange beast. It's more work-friendly than a smartphone obviously, but still not as powerful as a laptop. The main advantage over a computer is portability -- it's thin and lightweight, and many airport checkpoints won't even make you take it out of your carry-on when you fly. STM's new Folio case for the iPad Air is intended to make things even more travel-friendly, thanks to loops and pockets for your essential gear. Does that actually make it a practical case, though?
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04/01, 10:45am
May include full-sized analog sticks
More information has reportedly leaked on Razer's upcoming iOS game controller, codenamed Kazuyo. The combination case/gamepad is expected to include features like pressure-sensitive buttons, and full-sized analog sticks, which should make some games easier to control. Since earlier incarnations, the device appears to have been given a more rounded design.
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03/19, 9:14am
Is bamboo worth the premium?
It's hard to say where it comes from exactly, except perhaps the speaker industry, but there seems to be a strange fetish for wood in modern electronics. If you're buying a Moto X, you can even pay a $25 upfront premium to add a wood back. Few companies though have gone to the same extremes as Grove, which -- apart from a few leather notebooks -- only produces wooden iOS and Mac accessories. We were recently given a sample of their Bamboo case for the iPad Air, which we put through the wringer.
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03/07, 4:02pm
Suggests higher prices may not equal quality
When Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover first came out, it caused something of a minor stir in the iPad world. It was the very first keyboard cover, solving a problem many people probably didn't realize they had: finding a Bluetooth keyboard that's more convenient than a separate unit, but less bulky than a full-on keyboard case. The one major issue -- apart from having to find your own protection for an iPad's rear shell -- was price. Even now, the Ultrathin is $100, which isn't far off from the cost of a keyboard folio. Anker's TC930 attempts to duplicate much of the Ultrathin for a cheaper price, while simultaneously putting its own spin on things.
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02/24, 7:24pm
Grovemade introduces walnut and maple cases for iPhone and iPad, iPhone docks
Accessories designer Grovemade has introduced new walnut and maple wood cases for iPhone and iPad today, as well as wooden iPhone docks. Each wooden iPhone case is milled from a solid block, and features a reinforced interior for durability. Cases for iPad Air and Mini feature three standing positions for reading, typing and viewing content, and Grovemade's iPhone Dock combines a wooden top with a solid three pound steel base for sturdy, one-handed operating. Walnut and maple cases and docks retail at $100.
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02/21, 11:17am
Design held back by critical mistake
We've likely all had to cope with something -- a product, a person, a place -- that was almost perfect, but shot down by some critical flaw. I imagine that for many people, Chil's updated Notchbook case for the iPad Air may fit into the same category. In our review we'll see if the Notchbook might still be worth a go, since it gets so many things right, and offers a few features other cases miss.
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02/13, 1:22pm
Customizable luxury case for iPad Air
Shortly after the original iPad launched in 2010, one of the first cases on the scene was the DODOcase -- a luxury folio made using bamboo and traditional bookbinding techniques. That product set the stage for an influx of imitators, some better, some worse. One of the companies that joined the crowd was Pad & Quill, perhaps best known for its Contega series. Now, though, it has a new, slightly cheaper Author Series case available for the iPad Air. We'll put it through the ringer to see how well it holds up.
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02/04, 4:15pm
Pad and Quill releases new Author Series cases for iPad Air
Pad and Quill has announced its release of five new designs of bindery- and artisan-patterned cloth cases for iPad Air. Part of the Author Series, the new commissioned artwork designs are created by Tamarah Ryan and Will Bowe, local artists to the production site of the cases (St. Paul, Minnesota).
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02/01, 5:30pm
Judge states that participation in swarm is too imprecise
In December, an Iowa judge dealt a heavy blow to the multiple-party anonymous "Doe" lawsuits involving piracy when she ruled that defendants couldn't be joined together due to the nature in which BitTorrent works. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ruled that the cases, in which three independent films were pirated, couldn't have defendants lumped into single cases and must instead be limited to one party each.
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01/24, 12:42pm
Tech first revealed at CES 2013
Accessory maker Incipio and carrier AT&T have launched the Cashwrap, a new iPhone case enabling NFC-based payments. The case is based on the Isis platform, something normally only accessible by Android devices. Black, gray, and pink colors are available; two sizes support the iPhone 5/5s and iPhone 4/4S, respectively. Each case is $69, except for the black iPhone 5/5s model, which is listed at $65.
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01/13, 10:28am
Handles card, barcode scanning
Accessory-maker Griffin and ShopKeep have announced ShopKeep Mobile, a new point-of-sale case for the iPod touch. The case uses Griffin's Olli hardware platform, but is specifically design to be used with ShopKeep's POS app. Built into the Mobile are a credit card reader and a barcode scanner; the unit can also connect to receipt printers.
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01/10, 1:42pm
lets talk accessories for a moment
This week in the MacNN Forums, members discuss the best iPhone cases, and troubleshoot other users problems. In the thread titled "lets talk accessories for a moment" Grizzled Veteran "PeterParker" sparked a conversation about the best iPhone cases for keeping the phone safe and intact. Forum Regular "zgall1" turned to the forums looking for help with an iPhone 4S that hangs during restore, a solution has not yet been found.
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01/08, 5:53pm
Case integrates thermal imager
Among the many iPhone accessories announced at CES, FLIR's thermal-camera case was a particularly unique introduction. The device essentially replicates the functionality of FLIR's standalone thermal-imaging cameras, but well under the $1000+ price tags of the industrial niche tools. We had a chance to see the FLIR One case in action at CES and ponder its many uses for average consumers.
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12/26, 4:08pm
iHome tries to compete in the world of iPad Air cases
Once a comparatively rare kind of accessory, keyboard cases have become legion in the past year -- or at least it feels that way, from a reviewer's perspective. There seems to be a pent-up demand for iPads that can also get some serious work done. iHome has been a relatively minor player in the keyboard market to date; in this review, we'll see if its new Type Slim case can break the mold.
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12/24, 1:43pm
CANVAS iPhone case and CoverBuddy iPad cover released by SwitchEasy
SwitchEasy has announced the release of its latest iPhone and iPad accessories, Canvas and CoverBuddy. The Canvas case is now available for the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c, and is made of a durable, scratch-resistant matte canvas material. Its protective polycarbonate and canvas composition provides protection while remaining lightweight, and its cover flap's microfiber material is gentle on the screen's surface. Available in black, red and pink, the Canvas is priced at $25.
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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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