Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen rugged cases for iPhones before, even those that claim to give it action-cam credentials. Miveu rolled up to CES and revealed its latest offering that incorporates a wide-angle FOV lens (much like the Mophie) along with a chest mount strap, updated to fit the latest phone from Apple (they launched one to fit point-and-shoots, too). The idea is pretty simple, of course. Snap your iPhone / camera into the snug protective case, fix it to the chest-strap and then get your action on. Miveu is also keen to point out that its solution means you can capture that sports footage, without having to bring another device along. Of course, you’re then relying on the video capabilities of the phone itself, which might not be comparable to dedicated solutions, but it’s definitely convenient, and at $80 (or $60 for the point and shoot version), a whole bunch cheaper.

Obviously, without too many moving parts, our impressions are based largely on the quality and feel. The case itself seems plenty tough, and we’d have no reservations about putting our own phone in it while out on the slopes / track. The strap part seemed well built, and the guys at the booth had to wear them all throughout the show, so if nothing else, that’s testament to how comfortable they are. The lens component, however, is likely the main attraction, as this is what turns it from a regular phone case, into an action cam facsimile. The wider angle certainly makes the footage look more like what you might be accustomed to from a GoPro or similar, and serves the dual purpose of protecting the one on your phone at the same time. The mount also has a tilt-and-pivot mechanism meaning you can flip the camera through 360 degrees, or angle it more directly towards the action. If you fancy getting your phone in on the action, you should be able to do so starting April 1st.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile

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It’s no secret that iOS mobile gaming leaves us wanting when it comes to physical controls. Fortunately, at CES 2013, iFrogz is out to fill that void with the Caliber Advantage iPhone case-gone-console. The Caliber Advantage, an iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch accessory, uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to the corresponding enabled application rather than the phone itself. iFrogz mentions that a deal with Epic Games and Chair Entertainment to build the basis for the Caliber software powered by the Unreal Engine is in the works. In fact, later this April the company will host its own developer conference aimed at seriously expanding the platform and hopefully adding support for previously released titles.

Marrying a case with a full-fledged controller certainly adds some bulk, but after handling the prototype, the approximate half inch of added girth honestly didn’t incite any ill feelings. The chassis, while clearly heavy on the plastic, felt more sturdy than anticipated, and fairly natural to our hands. As for the buttons? Crisp and responsive, hard though that may be to believe. The unit is set to retail at $70, and curious iOS gamers can feel free to take a closer look in the gallery below.

Kevin Wong contributed to this report.

Continue reading iFrogz’s Caliber Advantage iPhone 5 gaming case hands-on

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds, Peripherals

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Source: Caliber Series

Back in October 2012, we talked a bit about the FreedomPop device that promised and free 4G connectivity to Apple gadgets such as the iPhone. The FreedomPop device for the iPhone also has an internal battery and would sell for $99. The problem for the manufacturer is that the iPhone sleeve has been stuck at the FCC.

FreedomPop has announced that its WiMAX iPhone sleeve has been delayed in the FCC approval process due to an untested design element. According to the company, the delay is unexpected and has cost it a significant amount of money. FreedomPop says that the delay has cost it $550,000 so far.

FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols told FierceWireless during CES 2013 that the holdup had to do with the design of the iPhone sleeve, which placed the WiMAX radio right next to the iPhone cellular radio. According to the CEO, the FCC hadn’t tested a device with a radio against a radio design in the past. That meant that the FCC had to do extensive testing on the sleeve when used with the iPhone.

That extensive testing has delayed the commercial release of the sleeve for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The iPhone version of the WiMAX sleeve had previously been up for pre-order, but the FCC testing delay meant the company stopped taking pre-orders a while ago. Stokols said that the company has 5000 of the sleeves at U.S. Customs waiting for FCC approval. He does expect that approval to come within the next “few weeks” and then the sleeves will begin shipping immediately.

[via FierceWireless]

FreedomPop iPhone sleeve stuck at the FCC is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

[CES 2013] Not to be outdone with Optrix’s XD5 iPhone case, Houston-based mobile accessories maker, Seidio, is introducing its own sturdy yet nifty case for Apple’s flagship iPhone in Las Vegas today. The company’s OBEX case offers unbeatable and extreme protection against everyday dust, water, snow, mud, and other liquids. Seidio says that its case has just passed the IP68 rating, which means that it is certified to be dust-resistant and water-proof. It has also passed the MIL-STD-810G U.S. Military standards test, which evaluates the case from 4-feet drops from a variety of angles. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: ZTE Grand S Is A 5-Inch 1080p Smartphone Running Jelly Bean, T-Mobile Activating 100k iPhones A Month Before Official Availability,

The Raspberry Pi is definitely a cool little computer, and while the system is pretty bare-bones, a couple of accessories will allow users to make it quite useful in a variety of different situations. Enter the Sweetbox case.

The Sweetbox was developed by Paris-based designer Alexander Xanthakis. The translucent polyamide enclosure wraps the credit-sized computer firmly, while leaving the ports accessible so that it can be plugged into a monitor, TV screen and a keyboard. The protective case adds structure and rigidity so that the Raspberry Pi lasts longer and is easier to transport than as a standalone board.

The Sweetbox was launched via a Kickstarter campaign, and you’ll have to pledge at least £15 (~$24 USD) to get yours, letting you turn your $35 PC into a $60 PC. There are also some pricey limited-edition versions of the Sweetbox, including the fluorescent SPACE (shown below) for £100 (~$163 USD) and a version crafted from sterling silver for a whopping £500 (~$813 USD).

[via designboom]