October 29, 2012

ZOpro Has Just About Everything You Ever Wanted For Your iPhone 5

October 29, 2012/ Bobby Zhang

You might have seen the magnetic clip on camera lenses for the iPhone that lets you take your iPhoneography to the next level. You might have also seen the iPhone tripods that allows for some crisp and clear photos. Then there's the portable charging cases that we've all come to know too well. However, that was three separate products I just named off. ZOpro takes all three of those things and combines them to create an extremely versatile and lightweight case that could just be the next best thing.

Starting with the charging function, the ZOpro cleverly hides a small USB connector within the case so all you do is slip the bottom end off and plug it right in to your computer. This gets rid of the hassle of bringing along those long and tangly cords we all could get along without.

As for the tripod, it comes with a magnetic piece that holds your iPhone in place for easy access in case you get a message or call during your shoot. It will attach to most tripods without a problem. There are countless other accessories that are compatible with the ZOpro such as a kickstand, dash mount, and removable handle that could all come in handy during your daily routines.

The magnetic camera lenses prove to be quite the hot item now that iPhonegraphy has extended past the daily Instagram pic of your latest meal. ZOpro features a rapid magnetic lens that simply grabs onto the ZOpro case and is ready to shoot. There are lenses for macro, fisheye, and wide angle photos. For a little bit extra, ZOpro will throw in an olloclip compatible accessory.

As with most awesome ideas that come our way, a lot of them are from Kickstarter. This is no different. Head on over to their Kickstarter page and help to bring this genius idea to the market. Pledge rewards vary but the best of them are limited and are almost running out. The ZOpro is aiming for a January-February ship date and will be available for both the iPhone 4/S and the new iPhone 5.

Head on past the break for a preview video.

September 06, 2012

Facet Pyramid iPad Stand Has Three Magnetic Faces

September 06, 2012/ Nir Schneider

Do we have any more room or iPad stands? It's getting crowded out there. We've seen jus about every possible stand design made this past year. This iPad stand is a little on the unique side in terms of form and function. The Facet, is a another Kickstarter product that has an interesting 3-sided pyramid concept style design which is quite versatile. It has three sides, each offers a different slanted angle ranging from 35, 55 and 75 degree angles. While this is definitely not the first stand of its kind to offer multiple viewing angles using opposite sides, the Facet does have some artsy charm.

Docking your iPad can only be done horizontally in order to take advantage of the built-in magnets. The Facet's internal magnets and minimal front lip help align and keep the iPad secure while looking extremely slick head on. We've seen the same concept utilized by the Magnus stand, and we can say that it works very well. The Facet's wide base supposedly let's users use it on the bed and on the couch where other stands will fall short. The Facet stand will be made from plastic in black and white, and is currently available to pre-order for $25. See it in action after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Rich!

August 07, 2012

Vers 1Q Palm-Sized Wireless Portable Speaker

August 07, 2012/ Nir Schneider

Vers has been around for a while now handcrafting speakers with bamboo and wood enclosures. Vers' new 1Q is a beautifully designed, wireless Bluetooth portable speaker that's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can connect to any audio device. Vers' 1Q is only 3" in diameter and shaped in a polished and rounded off cube shape, similar to that of NuForce's aluminum Cube speaker. The 1Q's powerful and custom tuned 2" driver along with a handcrafted solid wood cabinet promise room filling, warm natural sound.

The 1Q has a 30-foot wireless range, and features a rechargeable battery for 10-hours of battery life, USB charger, 3.5mm input and also has a built-in auto switching capability to convert from mono to stereo audio when two units are linked to create a micro stereo. The 1Q comes in Walnut wood, Bamboo as well as in a limited edition red Beech wood. It'll retail for $120 when it starts shipping this Fall. You can pre-order a 1Q speaker right now starting at $95 over at Kickstarter.

August 02, 2012

Radiul iPad Document Holder, Makes Life Easier

August 02, 2012/ Bobby Zhang

Paper has become a medium that some of us have tried to get rid of entirely if we could, but nonetheless, they are persistant. Popping up in our mailboxes, getting sent down from our bosses, and even being accepted as money... although I suppose that's the only kind of paper nobody wants to just rip into shreds. No matter how much we want to surround ourselves in just emails and digital print, we will still have to live with the traditional method for a while. That is what makes Radiul a nice accessory for everybody.

Everybody has bills to pay, everybody has to read something off of paper once in a while, but why not make it easier and more comfortable while we're at it? Radiul acts as a stand for all your papers whether they're the phone bills that you have to pay or some academic article you have to read for your research paper. Simply attach it to your laptop, iPad, or counter, you can prop them up in a convenient position. Using a simple but effective curve shape, the Radiul does its job.

This extremely portable accessory is currently in its mid stage of a Kickstarter campaign, and if you're interested in seeing this idea become reality, go ahead and pledge $30 or more for your very own Radiul.

August 02, 2012

FLASHr Takes LED Flash Alerts To The Next Level

August 02, 2012/ Bobby Zhang

With so many notifications that we get sent to our iPhones, whether they are text messages, phone calls, or emails, it is difficult to keep track of them all. After all, we have better things to do aside from staring at our phones the whole day. If you're the type of person who hates missing an important message or phone call, the LED flash notification feature in the Accessibility section of your iPhone could be a great function you just might want to check out. However, be forewarned, the hard light that the flash gives off is surprisingly bright and annoying.

Taking all of this into consideration, the creators over at Phaze5 has come up with a genius way to use the LED flash alert feature to their advantage. The FLASHr is a great idea that both protects your iPhone and puts on a pretty awesome light show whenever you get an alert. By reflecting the harsh light from the flash using an aluminum backplate, the FLASHr surrounds itself in a comfortable and colorful glow in an assortment of colors. This will surely catch the attention of not just yourself but everybody around you as well, making sure you won't miss a single notification, even if you wanted to.

Phaze5 is calling out to anybody who is interested in supporting them and this simple and awesome idea through their Kickstarter campaign. Starting at $35, you can choose from a large assortment of Flashr colors and never miss a single alert again.

July 31, 2012

HumanToolz Creates The Most Versatile Stand For Your iPad

July 31, 2012/ Bobby Zhang

With all the available iPad stands out there, they all tend to feature a similar design. Many of them limit the number of angles you can place your iPad to the "video watching" angle" and the "typing" angle. Any other angles just aren't possible. Obviously, we all have different preferences and ways we use our iPad, so why shouldn't we have an accessory that caters to us?

The award winning design team HumanToolz has created something that will rid our iPad woes. The HumanToolz stand does not have any defined angles. Similar to the hinges found on the Macbook Air, this iPad stand will securely stay in whatever angle you set it at, providing the most versatile and comfortable experience. As you would expect from such a highly regarded company, the design of the case joins seamlessly with the new iPad to be both stylish and functional.

The HumanToolz stand is compatible with Apple's Smart Cover to provide excellent protection in the front and the corners. HumanToolz is working hard to make this excellent idea a reality on Kickstarter and they're asking for your help. Starting at $65, you can preorder yourself a HumanToolz Mobile Stand and to help them achieve their goal.

July 15, 2012

Cube Gives Your iPhone A Home

July 15, 2012/ Bobby Zhang

There are so many smartphone docks on the market right now, each with its own unique factor that prompts you to fall in love with it. Fancy LEDs that flash in all kinds of arrangments, sleek designs with modern finishes, and whatever else your heart desires, you can probably find it for sale somewhere. Yet, there has not been any products as simple as the Cube. Without any exuberant features that nobody really needs, the Cube provides a simple and cozy home for your iPhone or Android device.

Constructed out of shatter-proof polycarbonate, the Cube is... a cube. It is a cube with a circle in the middle to put your iPhone into. I don't think there will ever be an easier and clearer explanation than that. By taking away all the unneccesary features that other docks try to cram in, the Cube will do what it is meant to do, and do it well. Simply place your USB connector through the bottom, set the Cube on the table, and your iPhone has a place to live. It is so simple and elegant that it will fit right in with the rest of anybody's home.

Without using any electricity, the Cube is also an amplifier for your smartphone's speakers. We all have come across an occasion where our built-in speakers were just not loud enough. With the Cube, simply by design, music is amplified for a much better experience.

The only problem with this product is that it doesn't exist yet. The creators of the Cube are asking for your help on Kickstarter to make their dreams a reality and to give your homeless iPhone a permanent shelter. With $25 dollars, you can pre-order your own clear Cube and with an extra $5 dollars, you can pick a Cube in any available colors.