Tag: smartphone accessories

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Tech Accessories

Sawtooth dock charger holds up to six devices in its jaws

Most smartphone or tablet docks tend to handle only one or two mobile devices at a time. That’s fine for a single person living alone, but not so handy for a home with multiple people who each own at least two devices that need to constantly remain charged.

The Sawtooth dock charger features six USB ports and a series of ridges that can accommodate the same number of mobile devices. Its design was inspired by the sawtooth roof architecture of the early 19th century. Each port can charge up to 2.4 amps of power independently. Additionally, each port is equipped with OptimalPeak technology that automatically detects and selects the optimal charging amps for each specific device.

One particularly standout feature is the product’s ability to be connected to other Sawtooth docks, thus enabling multiple docks with six devices each to work in unison with just one wall outlet. This feature should certainly come in handy for classrooms and businesses. Sawtooth will ship in April at $85 for Kickstarter backers, with retail pricing expected to be about 20 percent higher. Its maker is looking to raise $10,000 by April 12.

Sawtooth stands to be appealing to many consumers with multiple mobile devices in their homes, as well as in classrooms that use multiple devices. Its feature set clearly stands out among rival products like the Varius Dock.

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Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Juicer uses one Android device to help juice another

Power-hungry smartphones often need to be charged frequently. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a charger around or a free electric outlet in sight.

The maker of the Juicer is out to remedy that. The Juicer is a dual-sided charging cable that enables Android phone users to transfer battery power from one Android device to another. The device costs only $10 and will ship in August. Its maker is hoping to raise $65,000 by April 10.

The Juicer holds some promise for Android users. While it isn’t the fastest-charging device around (it’s about as fast as a computer’s USB port) it’s still useful as sometimes all that’s needed is a quick 5 or 10 percent bump, just enough to make a call or send a few texts. Another plus is that the device is small enough to fit on a key ring or inside a purse. On the negative side, its lack of iPhone compatibility significantly limits the device’s addressable market.

 

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Cell Phone Accessories Imaging

Snapsme enables your smartphone camera to snap photos of you

While at a party, it would be nice if a smartphone camera could be set up to automatically take photos. That would allow for more mingling at the party without having to worry about snapping any photos manually.

Snapsme allows for exactly that. It consists of an iOS and Android app, as well as a rotating docking station. Users just have to set the number of pictures they want taken and for how long they want it to operate. The dock allows users to fully adjust application shooting to all environments and circumstances. Backers who pay $49 will get the docking station when it ships in May. That’s $20 off the expected retail price. Snapsme’s maker is also fielding a limited edition Lego version of the dock at $99. Its Belgium-based maker is hoping to raise $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Snapsme’s concept is very similar to the Sony Party-shot rotating sock from a few years back that worked in conjunction with a camera from the manufacturer. But Snapsme doesn’t seem quite as sturdy. Snapsme holds some promise if it works as well as its maker claims. It’s likely, however, that at least some of the shots that it takes will be lousy unless everybody photographed is sitting down and not much higher than the tabletop where the docking station and smartphone are placed.

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Virtual Reality

PRO3D virtual reality headset aims to bring stereoscopic 3D to the masses

Virtual reality has become one of the hotter technologies of the past couple of years. But the Oculus Rift and others of its ilk have yet to become available to consumers and, when they do, aren’t expected to be cheap.

The Long Beach, California, maker of the PRO3D stereoscopic 3D and virtual reality viewer is aiming to bring similar technology to the masses with an inexpensive attachment for the iPhone 6 Plus. Their model won’t be anywhere near as bulky as the Oculus Rift and other similar devices. Backers who pledge $29 will get a bare bones version of the attachment when it ships in June. Those who pledge $47 or $86 will get more elaborately designed versions of the product. Its maker is looking to raise $39,700 on Kickstarter.

This isn’t the first cheap virtual reality product for smartphones, following on the heels of devices including ShareVR. PRO3D’s focus on only one smartphone model stands to limit its appeal significantly. If the effect it provides–the quality of which is impossible to tell from its Kickstarter campaign video–is mediocre or worse, that will cut down on its chances even further.

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Cell Phone Accessories Technology

InstaMote instantly turns your smartphone into a remote

Consumers continue to be attracted to new solutions that reduce the need for multiple remote controls in their homes. The InstaMote from Switzerland is the latest device that allows a smartphone to be used as a remote control, eliminating the need for all other remotes cluttering the couch and coffee table.

InstaMote attaches to a smartphone and transforms it into an infrared remote. Every infrared electronic device in the home is compatible with InstaMote, including air conditioners, fans, DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles and TVs. InstaMote is compatible with all iOS 5 and newer smartphones, as well as all Android 2.3 and newer smartphones. InstaMote has a built-in battery that will last about six months under heavy usage, and can be easily replaced. The device also has a larger working range, at up to 15 meters, than typical remote controls and more compatibility than standard universal remotes also. The first functional prototype of the device is ready now, but its maker doesn’t say at the campaign’s Indiegogo site when the final version will ship. The early bird price is $9 and its regular price is $12. Its maker is looking to raise only $500 by mid January.

Once upon a time there were easily a half dozen such devices on the market. There is little about InstaMote that breaks new ground and users of Windows Phone and other smartphone devices that aren’t Android or iOS are out of luck. But the price is right for Android and iOS smartphone owners and should make it worth a try for many of them.

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Tech Accessories

Flip Clip lets gadget lovers get attached to their devices

Trying to figure out where to stow that mobile device when on the go and still having easy access to it can be a challenge. So Flip Clip offers gadget lovers a hands-free option with a bit of style thrown in for good measure. The user attaches the product to the back of their mobile or smartphone case with the adhesive tape. Then pull up the snap spring and the phone or mobile can be attached to a belt loop, purse strap, chain or other convenient location.

Since it offers a hands-free solution, it is able to function as a camera phone holder too when wanting to create a video, though the video will probably be shaky since the phone would not be stabilized. Backers can choose from Swarovski Crystal, Murano style hand painted glass and natural gem stones. Lady backers looking for phone toting solutions might also be interested to check out Voye Clutch.  This campaign seeks to raise $10,000. For $12, backers Flip Clip with an expected delivery of February 2015.

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Chargers/Batteries

ReelJuice is a charger that knows how to unwind

There’s little worse than that sinking feeling that comes with realizing you forgot to charge your mobile device when out and about. If one is actually in the habit of carrying a charger, finding a convenient place and time to stop and wait for recharging can be a real hassle. With ReelJuice, no searching or waiting is required. Mobile devices can be recharged up to three times using ReelJuice5 or six times using Realjuice10. It functions independently using two Li-ion lithium batteries. The gadget includes two USB ports, one of which is a micro charger.

It’s unclear if the second one is a micro or standard size. The 48 inch attached, retractable cord reel means no tangling or getting lost during those especially busy on-the-go days. And when one finally gets home, it can be easily plugged into the wall and recharged so it’s ready next outing. While this isn’t going to power a laptop, it seems like it will work well for smartphones or tablets. This campaign seeks to raise $78,000 by December 15, 2014. Early bird backers get one product for $59, with an expected delivery of April 2015.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

i-Ox suction loop helps smartphone users take a stand, get a grip

i_OxFor those who were never quite comfortable holding their smartphone in the palm of their hand, it can now be worn on a finger. The i-Ox Smartphone Grip attaches to the back of the phone and can also serve as a stand for one-handed functionality when texting, gaming, surfing the net and more. It will adhere to the back of any smartphone or mini tablet with a smooth surface, and it easily detaches. Early bird backers get one product for $25, with an expected delivery of October 2014.