Want to share those photos or videos you’ve just taken with your iPod/iPhone with friends?  At 112.8 X 48.0 X 16.0mm (4.4 X 1.8 X 0.60 in) and  98g (3.5oz), the  PoP Video pico projector  is small enough to carry in your pocket and turns your iPod 3G/4G or iPhone 3GS/4/4S into a portable projector.  It’s able to project a qHD (960X540) picture onto the nearest surface at an optimal distance of 13 – 130 cms (5 – 40 in).  The built-in lithium-ion battery gives up to two hours and charges via  Micro-USB.

Is that a projector in your pocket or………

Currently available for preorder for $99 and expected to ship on or before June 1, 2012.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, iPod, Projector

PoP Video pico projector – Big Picture in Your Pocket originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 9, 2012 at 12:00 pm.

As a follow on to Andy’s review of the Wahoo Run/Gym Pack, I decided to order (and review) the Armband for iPhone  to get the most out of my Wahoo running pack.  I 100% agreed with Andy’s assessment that a compatible armband is a must to best utilize Wahoo’s running fitness gear for the iPhone….

I found when I ran with my iPhone/Wahoo ANT+ dongle in my pocket, the GPS/speed/distance/tracking did not work well at all. Holding it in my hand was a hassle as well, with the potential of being damaged due to sweat/moisture or being dropped.

The Wahoo Armband is well made. Constructed of neoprene and PVC, engineered to safely and securely hold your iPhone while you workout. It is weather and sweat-proof and form-fitted for the iPod Touch 3 & 4, iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and iPhone 4S with the Wahoo Key attached. I have used it a half dozen or so times while running, and while the armband gets sweaty, the iPhone has yet to be damp/impacted.

Inserting the iPhone takes a bit of effort due to the tight form-fitted design of the armband. Once the iPhone is within the armband, the neoprene flap flips over the top of the case, sealing the smartphone inside.

There is a side access port where your headphone cabling slides in. This port is supposed to keep sweat/rain from getting on your iPhone. While a straight plug goes in easily, the L-shaped plug of my Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones took some convincing to get it in place.

Even though you have to press a bit harder, the clear plastic front of the armband allows for more than adequate control of your iOS device.

Another nice feature of the Wahoo Armband is the Velcro tab meant to hold the extra earbud/headphone cabling out of the way so it is not flopping around while you run/walk.

Admittedly there are MANY iPhone-fitted fitness armbands currently on the market, but few, if any, have the additional space to accommodate an ANT+ dongle.

The relatively thick neoprene band and body of the armband snugly holds everything to your arm. I really liked how firmly the armband was held in place. I have experienced little bouncing and zero chaffing. The Wahoo armband fits up to 14 inch arm (not that I have to worry about that anytime soon :-I).

The Wahoo armband is well designed and an ideal accessory for their Run/Gym Fitness Pack. In my opinion, Wahoo should include the armband with their heart rate monitor and ANT+ dongle. That not withstanding, the weather/sweat-proof armband is nicely made and designed to use and protect your iPhone while exercising. At $30, it is on the high-end of fitness/exercise iPhone armbands, but not by much and definitely gets the job done well.

Filed in categories: Fitness, Sports, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPhone accessory

Wahoo Armband Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 7, 2012 at 11:00 am.

I love my Droid, but sometimes I see an iPhone gadget that makes me just a little envious.  Add this boom mic to that growing list.  There are, at last count, about three million iPhone lens attachments, wheels, filters and other doo dads for capturing the best visuals from your phone.  Unless you have an ADR studio in your basement, recording the best possible sound during your production is just as key as picture.  Photojojo now has available a boom mic attachment that gets inserted into the headphone jack and adjusts to be held in place, even over an existing case.  The mic has a switch for toggling between long-distance ambient sound and a more precise up close and personal sound for interviews or dialogue.  The mic itself is a pocket-sized 4 inches and runs on a single AAA battery.  It’s available now for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch for $40.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: boom mic, iPhone accessory

Perfect Picture Deserves Perfect Sound originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 1, 2012 at 8:00 am.

The iFusion Smartstation Dock for iPhone connects to your iPhone with Bluetooth and turns it into a desk phone or a full-duplex speakerphone.  It’s compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S, and the integrated 30-pin connector charges your iPhone.  Connect the iFusion to a PC or Mac via USB, and you can sync your iPhone, and there’s even an audio line-out so you can listen to your music through external speakers.  You can even use the iFusion at home or work; it is compatible with iPhone PBX apps, such as Cisco Mobile 8.1, Avaya one-X Mobile, and MaxMobile for Microsoft Lync.  The iFusion is available in black or white for $179.99

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory

Turn Your iPhone into a Speakerphone for Home or Office with the iFusion Smartstation Dock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2012 at 10:00 am.

Owning an iPhone comes with the responsibility of taking care of it as well.  Most of us Gadgeteers would tell you to get a case or protective stickers to protect your iPhone.  That’s like one of the first things you do when you get an iPhone.  But what if you want a naked iPhone in all its glory?  That’s where CalypsoPad comes in.  This beautiful pad is made with premium Italian leather and has a magnetic latch to keep the charging cord in place.  The CalypsoPad is beautifully stitched and comes in beige or black.  It only costs $39 direct from CalypsoCrystal.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory

CalypsoCrystal’s CalypsoPad Is The Tempur-Pedic For Your iPhone originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 25, 2012 at 8:00 am.

The ODOC iPhone dock is another Kickstarter project.  The ODOC is made of aluminum, with glass inserts in the ends and stainless hardware.  This dock weighs 2.7 pounds, so it’s heavy enough to allow one-handed removal of the iPhone.  The ODOC accommodates most cases, and the cylinder acts as a passive amplifier for the iPhone’s built-in speaker.  The viewing angle is adjustable through 8, 17, 26, 35 and 44 degrees, simply by twisting the end of the dock.  The back has 2 USB ports and 1 shielded line-level audio output.  The ODOC will be available in three powder-coated finishes over the glass bead-blasted aluminum: clear, black, or white.  There are a few more slots in the “early bird special” pledge of $69 for a clear-coated ODOC.  Once those slots are filled, you’ll need to pledge $99 for a clear-coated dock or $119 for your choice of black or white.  Some pledge levels also have extra shipping costs.  The funding period ends May 13, 2012, and shipping is expected in August 2012, if funding is met.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Dock, iPhone accessory

ODOC: An iPhone Dock with a Twist originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 23, 2012 at 12:00 pm.

You know that feeling when you see an invention and marvel that no one had thought it up sooner?  Take a look at this iPhone accessory that has already been successfully funded through Kickstarter (with over 3 weeks still left on its fundraising campaign).  This is the TidyTilt, which solves a major problem and provides an additional couple of features.  Problem: how do you store your headphones/earbuds?  You’re probably not alone if the answer is wrapping it several times around your iPhone or tossed haphazardly in your bag.

The TidyTilt is primarily a cord wrap that will protect the integrity of your headphones and attach to your iPhone for on-board storage.  It is comprised of a thin magnetic frame that attaches to the back of the iPhone as well as a soft, magnetized polyurethane panel.  The panel is designed to fold around the headphone cord to keep it tangle-free.  When folded it can then also be used as a ”kickstand” for tilting the phone screen up, ideal for typing or watching movies.  Since both pieces of the system are magnetized, the iPhone can itself be mounted to any magnetized surface and the earbuds can be mounted and stored separately as well.

Currently the TidyTilt is made exclusively for the iPhone 4/4S.  It isn’t an iPad case–it will provide no screen protection–but it is compatible with many pre-existing cases.  TidyTilt can be preordered now through their site (which will link to Kickstarter until the fundraising campaign is over) in pink, green, blue, or black for $19 ($36 for a 2-pack) and are planned to start shipping in February.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Headphones, iPhone accessory, iPhone Stand

Keep Your iPhone Earbuds Neat & “Tidy” with TidyTilt originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 5, 2012 at 12:36 pm.

The fob, case, and app are all parts of a system of protection.

Back of case, showing camera port, power meter/switch, and card slot.

The fob is similar in size to a car key fob.

Case lock and mini USB charging port.

BungieAir with card installed for desk stand use.

When you put on the case without the app installed, you get a warning message that you need the software. Nice touch!

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPhone 4 external battery and case, iPhone accessory

Kensington BungeeAir Wireless Security Tether Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 1, 2012 at 12:00 pm.

Belkin’s LiveAction Camera Grip is an accessory attachment that you slide over your iPhone’s dock connector.  It features a camera grip similar to the ones on DSLR cameras.  It has 2 buttons, one for taking photos and another for videos.  The camera shutter button is a fast shutter button for those quick snapshots of your kids running around.  Good thinking on Belkin’s part is to make this accessory case-compatible as well.  It requires Belkin’s own LiveAction App for the Camera Grip to work.  It’s priced at $49.99, direct from Belkin.

Filed in categories: Digital Cameras and Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: dock connector accessory, iPhone accessory

Make your iPhone feel like a DSLR originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm.

I read a recent story over on SlashGear that iPhone is the most-used camera for pictures posted on Flickr right now.  After all, many people say that best camera is the one you have with you, and most people have a phone with them.  I saw an item for sale on Photojojo that will allow you to use your collection of Canon or Nikon lenses with your “best” camera.  However, unless you tend to always carry your expensive lenses with you, I’m not sure the iPhone SLR Mount is going to be anything more than a gimmick.  The system starts with an aluminum case with UV filter that’s going to give the back of your phone a bug-eyed look.  The case has loops at the end so you can attach a neck strap and a tripod mount.  When you need it, attach the lens adapter to the back of the case and you can attach any of your camera lenses.  Models are available for Canon or Nikon lenses.  The iPhone 4 system is $249;  iPhone 3 is $190.  (The quote under the above picture comes from the Photojojo site.)

Filed in categories: Digital Cameras and Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Camera lens adapter, iPhone accessory

Turn Your iPhone Into a DSLR originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm.

The NewKinetix Rē universal remote control is a combination of hardware and software that aims to turn your iOS device into a high end universal remote control. If you’ve ever been tempted by one of those $200 plus touch screen programmable remotes, you’ll find the Rē to be a capable substitute. In many ways, it surpasses the performance of those other remotes. Of course the drawback is you’ll need to use an iOS device as your remote!

I’m a multifunction remote junkie. I admit it freely. Anyone with any kind of home theater soon finds juggling three or four remotes just to watch media gets to be comical. The typical progression of obsession is to go from one of those 3 or 4 function remotes, to perhaps one of the medium-priced learning remotes, and finally to end with a high end programmable touch screen remote. After your child drops one of those $200 suckers and kills it, it’s back to the medium tier, but the longing for crafting that PERFECT remote often lingers on. The Rē combination seems like a great solution – with the addition of a small IR dongle and a nice app (which is a free download in the app store- so you can play with it all you want before you commit to paying for the dongle)  you can turn you iOS device into a very high end programmable remote.

The Hardware

The IR dongle is a small and light rectangle that mates to and integrates well with iPhone/iPod Touch devices. I don’t have an iPad, but its dock is also on the bottom, below the home button, so I’d suspect it would work more or less the same. I also expect it to be a bit more awkward to use!

Once mated to an iOS device, you’ll notice right away that you’ll be using your device “upside down”. After all, you really do need to point the IR beam at the stuff you want to control. When you launch the Rē app, the display flips over, and you’re good to go:

The Apps The Thing

The Rē app (in the app store, free) is the key to this product. It lets you create a nearly limitless supply of remotes. The app breaks down this daunting task by organizing your remote life into Rooms, with Devices. Once you’ve defined some devices (essentially these are your software replacement remotes for the pile of physical remotes you have) you can then create Activity remotes, where the buttons you need from each device all appear on one remote. After a bit of head scratching, it all makes sense and works quite reasonably. Let’s do a quick tour of some of my living room remotes in Rē – I’m skipping over a lot of screens and options simply because there are so many tweakable things we could be here all day.

You begin by adding a new Room. Once you name it, you proceed to add a Device for each remote controlled device in that room:

Tap Devices, then Edit:

You can delete or rearrange the order of devices, or tap the + to add a new one. We’ll add a new one, our Sharp DVD player. First we select a Brand, and then a Type of device, which leads to the last step, trying all the variations for IR codes for the device:

You can allow the software to try the codes one after another, trying to power on the device, or one of the other actions listed at the top. When your device seems to do something encouraging tap Stop Search, then Test Remote. You’ll be presented with a full remote for that device code to test. When you’re sure you have the right one, Tap Next again, give it a name, and you’re done.

Once you have a room set up with devices, you can use Rē as a multi-function remote. Select the room, then tap Devices, and you’ll have all the remotes available for that room:

The view scrolls up and down to show all the buttons, and a left/right swipe flips between remotes in the room. Double tapping any blank space will go full screen, getting rid of the top and bottom bar so more buttons are visible. That’s pretty nice, but the real power is in Activities. You create those for a Room in much the same way as you create devices, except the app guides you through a series of questions about which devices are needed for what function in this activity. Based on your answers an initial “combo” remote is created, which you can then edit. For example, here’s my “Watch PVR” remote:

Editing Remotes, Macros, Learning, and Databases

Every remote is fully editable. Tap the Edit button, and then you can tap and drag any button anywhere. They snap into a grid pattern – which is a little limiting but does keep you from making unusable remotes. You can double tap a button to delete it, change its graphic, add a label, and change its function. Double tapping the background gives you the option to add a new button, learn an IR code from an existing remote, and change the background “skin” of the remote.

If you edit an activity remote you can create unlimited macro buttons – each button is actually a macro, or a pointer to one or more buttons on a device. For example, my Watch PVR activity remote above has an Input button – this button switches the TV and Receive to the correct inputs to watch the PVR, by using the right input button from each device for that function.

The Rē comes with an impressively large database of remote codes, and perhaps even more impressive, if your device is missing you can request that it be added. In my case I found they did not support the Hauppauge WinPVR remote. I posted a query on the support forum and was surprised to find they had updated the database the next day. That’s pretty decent support.

IR Details, Actual Use

Although its fun to edit remotes all day, in the end you really do want to just use the thing while sitting on the couch. So, does it work as a remote? There are three things that a remote has to do – it has to reach the devices without undo careful pointing, it has to work reliably – doing the right function when you press the button for that function, and it has to work without looking at it. The Rē combo does the first two very well and fails at the last, because there are no physical buttons. As far as range and angle of attack go, it’s a winner. The IR emitter is very strong, easily reaching the 15+ foot viewing distance in my living room, and working so long as the dongle end is pointing in the general direction of the device under control. I only experienced one non-response to a button press, so the reliability factor is a win – no double actions or odd side effects were seen in testing. The only downfall is that this is a “heads down” remote. You must look at it to know what you’re pressing. It seems obvious given the lack of physical buttons, but if you are a heavy duty couch jockey chances are good you can work any remote with physical buttons by touch alone – no need to peek – and that’s just not going to happen with the Rē. You’ll need to decide if this is a major problem for you or not.

It’s Too Much, Let Me Sum Up

I’ve really only scratched the surface of the Rē app – if you’re remotely interested, I suggest you download the app and check it out. I was impressed with the power of the app, the extensive database of codes, and the responsive support from the company. The physical IR hardware has good power, and the software was battery friendly and uses a fairly intuitive method of creating activity-based remotes. If you are considering a dedicated high end programmable touchscreen remote, the Rē is very much worth your consideration.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Home Tech, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Apps, iPhone accessory, Remote

NewKinetix Rē iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch Universal Remote Control Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 14, 2010 at 9:30 am.

Have your kids asked you for the umpteenth time, “Can I play with your iPhone?”  Then check out the Woogie from Griffin Technology.  Billed as 50% stuffed animal, 50% speaker case, 100% fun, it’s a green asterisk-shaped plush toy with a slide-in iPhone/iPod touch case attached to the side.  Kids can listen via headphones or the built-in speaker powered by 2 AA batteries and its legs can be tucked to use it as a viewing stand.  It also has its own free app in the App Store that can be used to preview Sesame Street books and more.  $19.99.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Kid Gadgets

Tagged: iPhone accessory, Toy

Woogie is fun, plush iPhone protection originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 17, 2010 at 3:00 am.

The Seat Buddy  lets you hang your iPhone or iPod touch on a car headrest or glove box door, a treadmill, or on the seatback tray in an airplane.  The case cushions your device and the silicone straps have hook-and-loop fasteners to suspend the iPhone for hands-free viewing.  You can buy them from the Seat Buddy website for $29.99 or from Brookstone for $20.00 each/$30.00 for two.  The Seat Buddy website says holders for the iPhone 4 and for the iPad are coming soon.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory

The Seat Buddy for iPhone or iPod touch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 11, 2010 at 7:00 am.

One feature that has always been lacking in Apple’s iPhone and iPod family that many other MP3 player models have had is an FM receiver.  Though many may scoff and offer a flippant, “Who cares about radio?”, it’s a feature that was sorely missed when my wife switched from her Sandisk Sansa MP3 player to her 4th gen iPod nano and later her iPhone 3GS (shown in this review), who uses the FM to listed to TV audio broadcast at the gym.  I had begun to give up hope that I’d ever find a solution to this until I stumbled upon the iFM radio receiver from Griffin Technology.  Read on for more…

The Packaging

The packaging for this product is simple and straightforward.  I quite like the trapezoidal shape, with the inside tray that slides out from the outside sleeve, but only in one direction.   The windows in the back that allow you to view the actual product are a must.

box front - click to enlarge

box back - click to enlarge

inside box - click to enlarge

Inside the Box

The contents of the package, like the packaging itself, were quite simple, consisting of the following:

• iFM radio receiver
• griffintechnology.com decal
• instruction manual (which I promptly misplaced before I could snap a picture)

contents - click to enlarge

Features – Hardware

The iFM device itself is quite simple (seeing a theme here?).  It consist of a headphone jack module and an iPhone/iPod dock connector module, both connected by a 4-inch length of cable.  All in basic white color scheme with the Griffin logo.

headphone jack - click to enlarge

iPhone/iPod dock connector - click to enlarge

The iFM has the appearance of a natural extension of the stock iPhone earbuds:

iFM with iPhone earbuds connected - click to enlarge

iFM connected to iPhone 3GS - click to enlarge

And that’s it for the hardware.  No on/off switches, no buttons, just plug and go.  KISS.

Features – Software

The software in this case is an iFM Radio Controller app that is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.  As with the packaging and the hardware, the operation of the Radio Controller app is straightforward.

Upon initial launch of the app, the user is first prompted to select the Radio Region.  At this stage, you can also select whether the app will “Stay Awake” when the iPhone goes into sleep mode:

Next, the user is prompted begin the process of setting his or her radio presets, which will become your “favorite” stations:

Next comes the process of actually finding your favorite stations, using either the virtual tuner wheel (on iPhone or iPod touch) or the Click Wheel (on iPod nano and regular iPod), or by hitting the ‘seek’ forward and backward buttons:

And finally, you have a personalized list of your own favorite ‘preset’ stations.  Just tap a station to access it:

One drawback with the iFM is that it cannot multitask.  I’m hoping that Griffin will update this app and give it iOS 4 compatibility like every other app dev on earth is currently doing.  One other thing to note is that you cannot use the iPhone’s headset earbuds/mic to answer a phone call with iFM running, which seems a bit crude:

In addition, the iFM radio controller is compatible with the Griffin iFM Radio Browser app, also a free download from the iTunes App Store.  This app is not a radio, but is more of a media browser, similar to Shazam or Soundhound, that gives you additional info on music and lets you buy it with a tap.

Conclusion

I like this accessory.  I’m not sure why Apple has chosen not to include an FM tuner in their products, and I’ve read a few articles online that the iPhone has the capability, although it is not enabled.  Not everyone may need or want FM radio capability with their iPhone or iPod, but for those that do, this is a simple, straightforward solution.  Easy to install, set up and use, and according to my wife (who is the main user of this device in our household), it doesn’t seem to drain the iPhone’s battery any faster than with normal operation.  The only downsides seems to be the lack of multitask (which should be correctable through a software update) and the situation with answering phone calls.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: FM digital radio, iPhone accessory, iPod accessory

Griffin iFM Radio Receiver for iPhone/iPod Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 15, 2010 at 11:16 pm.

GEAR4, a UK-based iPhone/iPod audio brand, has announced its entrance into the U.S. market.  Its product range includes a wide variety of speaker dock systems, power and charging solutions, FM/connectivity and device cases.  GEAR4′s focus for its October U.S. launch is on its iPhone/iPod Touch speaker systems like the SoundOrb Aurora, as well it’s new app-enabled accessories like UnityRemote.  Prices will range from $49 to $349, offering innovative European design for customers in all market segments.  With its many market-proven products and emphasis on design GEAR4 gives us Yanks some new, tantalizing gadget and accessory choices.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, iPod accessory

GEAR4 to bring its iPhone/iPod gear to US market originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 13, 2010 at 2:30 pm.

I’ve always been a proponent of protection for my personal gadgets.  Ever since walking out of the AT&T store with my iPhone 3GS in hand, I’ve had it encased in some sort of…well, case.  However, I’d been researching a few of the many “skin” protective type products on the market when I was given the opportunity to try out the iWrap for iPhone 3GS.  iWrap touts their product as “an ultra-durable scratch-proof film that covers your entire device and is virtually undetectable” and offers a lifetime warranty.  Let’s investigate the iWrap for iPhone 3GS.

Inside the Box

• Plastic bag containing iWrap front and back films and a backing board
• Squeegee (basically a blank credit card)
• Spray bottle with solution
• Instruction sheet

Installation

Truth be told, I’ve not had the best of luck with even simple screen protectors.  I’m a perfectionist about lining them up and about bubbles, lint or other imperfections getting stuck under them.  So I was quite skeptical of a full-wrap “skin” style protective product.  I checked out an installation video on the iWrap site, which I found to be only somewhat informative.  On YouTube I found a video that was a bit more informative, but I still wasn’t confident that the iWrap was going to work as advertised.  The only thing left was to dig in and try it.

I started with the screen film.  As with the installation of many of these types of products, you’re instructed to wash your hands first, then wet your fingers with the provided solution, both actions being done to prevent oils from interfering with the adhesion of the film to the device.  Next step was to peel the film from the backing and wet down adhesive side with the solution.  So far, easy enough.  I was a bit concerned about the solution seeming into my iPhone, but it didn’t appear to be a problem.  I did my best to line the film up, using first the home button cutout and then the edges.  I had to pull it back off once to reposition it, but it seemed to go on without much trouble.  However, there were air bubbles galore.  I followed the instructions and sprayed it down from the outside, then used the squeegee to work out the bubbles as best I could.  Even after about ten minutes of this, there were still a lot of bubbles.  It was about what I’d expected, but I was already disappointed.  I let it sit all night and when I checked it the next morning, I was quite pleasantly surprised to discover that virtually all of the larger bubbles had vanished.  I went about my day, using the squeegee to work on the bubbles periodically.  By that evening, the bubbles were almost completely gone.

Next, on to the back film.  Same drill here, but the difficulty level shot up quite a bit.  Lining up the back film was quite a bit more difficult, I think because of lack of features to use in locating.  I tried to use the camera bezel, but it didn’t seem to help much.    I got the main part placed , but then realized the sides and corners were in the wrong spot, and I had to peel it off, re-spray and re-place it.  Had to do this a few times, but finally got it where I thought that at least the main part was supposed to be.

The corners were another story.  I worked on those things for about half an hour and didn’t feel like I’d made much progress.  I decided to let it go until the next morning, like I’d done with the screen film.  Not quite the same result.  Lotta bubbles, and two of the corners still looked pretty rough, because they either had gaps or didn’t want to fully adhere.

In addition, the bottom wrap-0ver edge (near the Home button) was sticking up a bit past the face, and my finger kept getting caught on it.  It bugged me, so I peeled it up, sprayed and re-positioned it.

Using the squeegee on it several times throughout the day forced most of the smaller bubbles out, but the larger ones remained.  Still, it looked quite good overall.

Usage

After several days, the screen film looked fantastic.  Not a bubble anywhere.  No loss of touchscreen sensitivity at all.  The surface is basically smooth, but with a very slight “orange peel” appearance, but nowhere near like an anti-glare screen protector.  It covered the entire screen and about 1 mm of the chrome bezel.  The cutouts for the speaker and home button were perfectly sized and placed.  So after about three days, I was very pleased with the results of the screen film.

Similar situation with the back film.  All of the bubbles under the back film had disappeared after working on them a bit each day for about a week.  And after putting it into and taking it out of my pocket, those corners that I couldn’t seem to get to stay down became pocket lint magnets at the exposed adhesive.  However, the corners are quite well covered, due largely to the precisely cut strips that roll over and conform to the rounded corners.

Both the screen and back film seem to mask fingerprints and smudges a bit more than a standard screen protector or the iPhone itself.  They just seem to be less noticeable and to wipe off more easily.  The film also provides a surface that only slightly “grippier” than the iPhone itself.  I also wondered if I could still use a case in addition to the iWrap, so I tried placing the iWrapped iPhone in both my Incase Slider and my Otterbox Defender, but it was a no-go for both.  I suspect that this is due to the back film, which does increase the overall dimensions of the iPhone slightly.

Removal

It took me a while to evaluate the removal of the films, mainly because I like the iWrap so much that I didn’t feel like taking it off!  However, I did remove the back film, for two reasons: because those corner edges that I couldn’t get to stick down are attracting more and more lint (and it was really bugging me) and also so that I could place the iPhone in a case (see above), since I have several cases I want to try out.  Removal of the back film was quite simple, and I would liken it to peeling off a static cling-type decal from a window.  It only left behind a very minimal mount of adhesive residue, which I was able to clean off with ease.  I did, however, leave the screen film on, because it seems to provide better scratch protection that any other screen protector I’ve used.

Conclusion

I was very skeptical of the iWrap at first.  Installation was relatively easy with the screen film, quite a bit more challenging with the back film (especially the corners).  However, after about three days I was very impressed with the appearance of the screen film, and it only took a few more days for the back film to reach a similar state.  The durability of the iWrap seems much greater than a standard screen protector.  IMO, appearance of the iPhone 3GS is an example of industrial design aesthetic in a a visually-appealing device, and it’s great to have a product that allows you to give your iPhone a layer of protection and still be able to show it off and keep its slim profile.  It obviously offers virtually no impact or drop protection which could be gained in varying degrees by using different case designs, but against scuffs, scratches and spills, it seems to perform quite well.  Overall, I was impressed with the iWrap for iPhone 3GS.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPhone accessory, Skin

iWrap for iPhone 3GS Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 17, 2010 at 11:30 am.

So your iPod or iPhone’s got your personal music collection.  And it’s got streaming music through Pandora.  But what if you want good ol’, low-tech local FM radio on your iPhone or iPod?  Till now, there’s been no good solution, but Griffin‘s iFM may have solved that.  Plug iFM into your iPod and it wakes up the Apple radio control software already embedded in your iPod. You’ll see a new main menu choice: Radio.  Then plug your favorite headphones into iFM and you’re good to go.  For iPhone or iPod touch, plug in iFM, and use Griffin’s iFM Radio Controller app (free in the App Store) to control your FM radio.  iFM also works with Griffin iFM Radio Browser.  $39.99.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, iPod accessory, Radio

Griffin iFM adds radio to your iPhone or iPod originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 26, 2010 at 8:53 am.

Many of us have spent probably way too much time picking out a protective case for our beloved iPhone.  Most require the case to be fully or partially removed in order for the device to drop conveniently into a charging dock.  Enter the dock-IN-case by made2dock.  USA-made, CNC machined from solid aluminum and hand assembled, it features a pocket that is custom-sized based on the case you select from the “Pocket Fit Chart,” which includes many popular iPhone cases.  The dock-IN-case also includes a permanently-mounted USB cable for charging or syncing.  A neoprene bottom prevents scratching your desktop, and two optional holes through the bottom allow sound to travel through.  Aluminum or black anodized.  Available in several styles including original, slant, and desk, with prices ranging from $29.99 to $59.99.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, Spotlight Gadgets

Custom iPhone dock allows in-case charging originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 14, 2010 at 1:45 pm.

Dude -- remember that 11.50 I spotted you for lunch?

Sure, your iPhone can transform into a flute, locate your favorite Gadgeteer posts, and even file your taxes… But can it really accept payments via debit/credit card?  Thanks to the creative cats behind the concept of Square, mobile transactions are now a reality.  Square is exactly what the title implies, a small, square dongle that plugs directly into the audio jack of your mobile device.  The steps seem simple enough – register your account through the Square website, enter the amount for the transaction, swipe the debit/credit card through the square dongle, and confirm the transaction.  Users have the option of providing their signature (via finger on the touchscreen) and entering their email address, immediately sending them a receipt for the transaction.

Mobile transactions via Square extend beyond the realm of business and allow anyone to partake in their services.  Advertise debit/credit at your next garage sale, square up a bet with someone, and eliminate your friend’s excuse for not paying you back because they “don’t have cash on them.”  Is Square a game-changer?  Would you trust these transactions?

[Courtesy of Engadget]

*Pricing not yet available.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone, iPhone accessory

Does Your Mobile Device Accept Credit/Debit? It Does Now. originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 19, 2010 at 8:30 am.

With the release of the iPad, Apple also announced a number of accessories, including one that would allow users to connect a SD card to the device.  This left a number of us scratching our heads, wondering why this accessory wasn’t already on the market, allowing us to do just that with an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Enter zoomIt, a new product from Zoom Media, who claim that their device will allow you to access video, music, and other files on SD media directly from your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Details on the site are scarce, but if this is something that appeals to you, head over to their site now… pre-orders will get a $10 discount off of the regular price of $60 per zoomIt, and the first 250 orders will also receive a free 4GB SD card.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related

Tagged: iPhone accessory, SD media

Read SD Cards On Your iPhone With zoomIt originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2010 at 2:24 pm.

It’s been mentioned before on this website many times: one of the curses of technology is the problem of always having to carry it around in order to use it. In a rather unique take on the fanny/bum pack, UrbanTool has designed the icaseBelt. It’s a wide belt that contains an iPod controller, as well as pockets for your wallet, keys, and other items. I was challenged to put it to the test, and it was a challenge I was looking forward to. Here are the results.

The UrbanTool icaseBelt, locked and loaded.

First, I’m not a skinny, young, hip guy like the folks on the UrbanTool website. They may not think of me as being in their demographic, but if they cast that net in terms of gadget usage and needing the touted benefits of their product, they might think again. The icaseBelt is a wide, nylon and leather adjustable belt. The pockets and iPod controller area takes up about 24″. There is about 30″ of webbing attached to the end of this area, ending in a 2″ heavy plastic clip. You can wear it as a belt or a bandolier, and quickly switch between the two. The sliding adjustment ring holds the chosen length tightly, yet slides easily if turned against the pull of normal wear.

The icaseBelt with an iPhone being inserted into the iPod pocket. The controller is to the right. It is attached via a standard iPod cable connection.

Looking from the front, the left side (the wearer’s right side) has a controller for iPod with fast forward, play/pause, previous/review, and volume up/down buttons. These controls are connected to a standard iPod cable that is sewn into the pocket next to the controller. My iPhone 3G fit into the pocket easily without being attached to the controller connector. With that connector, it could be placed in the pocket, but it was a little more of a challenge. But it would fit, and the controller worked as expected. The problem came when I tried to attach earbuds to the iPhone. There is not enough room to place the controller and a standard earbud plug on the iPhone and insert it into the case. I even tried finessing it into the case and plugging in the cables afterward by working through the fabric, but the dimensions of the case are just too small. I really wanted this to work. There’s even a small zippered pocket on the back just behind the iPod pocket, perfectly sized for a set of earbuds.

My fingers are on the seams that define the size of the iPod pocket. There is no way to get an iPhone into this pocket with the controller and regular earbuds attached.

The next pocket over is meant for a wallet or datebook. I carry a Levenger card file that’s 6″ x 3.5″ and about .75″ thick, and it fit easily. In the far reaches of this pocket, there is a retractable keyring.

A small ring of keys attached to the retractable cord pull.

I’m not really sure how you’re supposed to get your keys past the wallet that takes up the rest of the pocket, but the mechanism is attached well, and retracts reliably. On the back side of this pocket is another zippered pocket, which could be used for hidden cash, a Metro card, or even a passport. It’s very flat, but has an opening almost 5″ long. It will hold a small stack of 3×5″ index cards, but you’ll have to put them in one side at a time.

The cable for the keyring holder extends about 25" or so. I don't know if you'd want to drive teathered to it, but it's easily long enough to open your door while attached.

The materials are of really good quality. The leather over the iPod controls is smooth, with the functions subtly hot-stamped onto a nylon patch below them. The pockets are made of a stretchy, jersey knit nylon that feels like silk, but easly stretches over whatever is being inserted, yet snaps back into place. The seams are all tight and heavily reinforced.  I don’t think anything on this belt pack would wear out or fray with normal use.

That being said, normal use is tough to do, since the placement of the pockets’ features are so irritating, as mentioned above. I wanted to test this with my iPhone, but can’t have music playing from my waist without earbuds – it’s not a good listening experience, and irritates those around you. And the keys aren’t accessable stuffed back on the other side of my card file.

So, for materials and workmanship, I give it five stars. For design and useability, however, I give it one star. Over all, that’s three stars, but if you’ve got an iPod Nano and a phone to put in the other pocket, it may work better for you.

Filed in categories: Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: Case, gear bag, iPhone accessory

UrbanTool icaseBelt Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 5, 2010 at 11:04 am.

Love your iPhone but tired of having to strip it from its protective case to enjoy the convenience of a docking cradle?  Try the Innodock Jr. Desktop Cradle by Seidio.  It features a dock connector mounted on a compliant spring hinge.  This allows the iPhone to be placed in it vertically, then tilt backward slightly under its own weight–connector, iPhone, case and all–until it rests against the back of the cradle.  Compatible with “most” cases with an open connector bottom.  Case shown not included.  Also includes a USB cable for charge/sync connection.  $29.95.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory

Non-naked iPhone charging with Seidio Innodock Jr. originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 1, 2010 at 11:18 am.

If you like your gadget accessories to be unique, check out the handmade leather cases in the Moxie and Oliver Etsy store.  In addition to a variety of wallets, watch bands, bags, and other accessories, Moxie and Oliver offer an iPhone case decorated with a sugar skull.  They also have a leather Kindle DX case that’s different from any I’ve seen.  Instead of using corner straps to hold the Kindle, they sew a silicone sleeve into the leather case.  Prices vary, depending on the item and design.  The iPhone case shown is $65;  the Kindle DX case is $115.  (Some items, like the Kindle case, are made to order.)

Filed in categories: eBook Readers and Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, Kindle case, Leather cases

Handmade Leather Gadget Cases originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 29, 2010 at 8:32 am.

Wearable Inc. has put up a barebones website for their new AirStash device, which is billed as a “wireless media server” for mobile devices (the iPhone is mentioned specifically).  Not much information is given, other than the fact that the AirStash will be officially unveiled at CES 2010 — no price, no availability date, no specs.  It seems safe to presume that the device will use Bluetooth for communications with the iPhone, but it does raise questions around speed and security, not to mention questions of how data stored on an AirStash could be used by the iPhone, or how stability of apps using AirStash data might be affected if the AirStash is suddenly unavailable.

Hopefully we will have answers to some of these questions when the AirStash is unveiled at CES over the coming weekend.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone accessory, Storage, Wireless

AirStash promises portable wireless storage originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 4, 2010 at 5:16 pm.

The iLuv iHD171 brings HD radio to the clock radio with iPod dock.  The  iLuv iHD171 works with the iPhone and iPods with the docking connector, and it has a 3.5 mm audio input for use with other sources.  In addition to allowing you to charge and play your iPod, this iLuv unit receives HD radio signals and displays the HD station, song title, artist, and other data.  It comes with a remote control and with antennas for clear reception of AM, FM, and HD stations.   You can also tag songs for later purchase in iTunes.  The iLuv has two alarms and allows you to wake to iPod, radio, or a buzzer.  It even will output video from video-capable iPods to your TV.  It’s $199.99 direct from iLuv.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: HD Radio, iPhone accessory, iPod accessory

iLuv iHD171 HD Clock Radio with iPod Dock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm.