Hasta La Gadget!

This is pretty darn cool. It’s called Popslate — an iPhone 5 case with a four-inch E Ink screen on the back — and it’s launching right now on Indiegogo for $79 in two colors. Combined with a bespoke social imaging app, it lets you take and share pics, then “pop” them to the back of your phone. Better yet, the always-on, ultra low-power, black and white display becomes a canvas for notifications, sports scores, maps, lists and notes, all just a glance away.

An open API allows third-party developers to design custom apps for Popslate — including accelerometer support to interact with the backside screen by tapping on it. Imagine a micro e-reader app which uses the E Ink display instead of the main panel to conserve battery.

The company is still in the early stages of development and sadly didn’t have a prototype to show us, but it’s already gathered a team of talented designers, engineers and developers. It’s also secured a partnership with E Ink to use the latest in ruggedized e-paper technology and is hoping to raise enough funds to make Popslate a reality. Two colors are available at launch (black and white) with prices starting at $79 for the first 500 supporters, then $99 and up. Hit the break for the demo video and IndieGogo link.

Continue reading Popslate launches iPhone 5 case with four-inch E Ink screen (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Who says big companies can’t be bros when it comes to trademarks? Since Apple had no need for its Lightning connector to appear on “motorcycle parts, slot machines or tachometers,” it buddied up with Harley Davidson to secure partial use of the cycle maker’s IP for its new iDevice interface, according to recent info from the European trademark office. That allowed it to use a name that’s sympatico with its Thunderbolt moniker, while presumably letting Harley retain the rights for its heavier metal accessories. Also, should Cook & co. run up against a mid-life crisis, at least they’ll have quick relief on speed-dial.

Filed under: Peripherals, Apple

Comments

Via: Gizmodo

Source: OHIM (European trademark office)

Not content with his deliberately undefined role at Intel, the main pulse behind the Black Eyed Peas is preparing for yet another incursion into the world of technology — this time by launching a dedicated camera accessory for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 (and presumably the 4S, too). Will.i.am claims the device has “its own sensor and a better flash” and will “turn your smartphone into a genius-phone” by replacing the native 5- or 8-megapixel camera module with one that churns out 14-megapixel images instead. The Telegraph reports that the add-on will be the first of a series of “i.am+” branded accessories that will launch on November 28th. No pricing has been revealed so far, but the range will be sold solely by Selfridges in London and — much like Harrods with its own glam gadget exclusives — that store isn’t particularly known for bargains.

[Photo credit: Getty Images]

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras

Comments

Source: The Telegraph

That larger JBL speaker dock looks familiar, doesn’t it? Near the end of September, Harman gave us a peak at it’s latest consumer audio products. Curiously, however, a slew of new iOS-focused speaker docks were shown off, each lacking a Lightning connector. Today that’s changed, as JBL has announced a duo of systems that are equipped with Lightning docks. To start, the larger system is dubbed as the OnBeat Venue LTE ($200). This unit is essentially a Lightning-enhanced version of the 30-pin loaded Venue we recently spent time with, featuring the same 30 watts of power and Bluetooth connectivity with Apt-X support. Like it’s sibling, the dock can be set flush with the front, and better yet, you’ll even be able to dock your iPad Mini into it. Sizing things down a bit is the OnBeat Micro, a $100 bedside system that’ll play nice with the iPhone 5 and the new iPod Nano. While it doesn’t benefit from Harman’s Bluetooth know-how (a pricing consideration, as we’re told), it’s loaded with a rechargeable battery for quick bouts away from wall power.

Based on a quick listening session, we can report that the Venue LT sounded very full and clear. Even with the optional bass- or vocal-boosts enabled, it didn’t seem like the speakers were having trouble pushing out a high level of volume. The Micro on the other hand sounded decidedly tinny, which we’re frankly not surprised about given the size. Both systems are compatible with JBL’s MusicFlow app as well, giving you some extended options for tweaking the EQ. Both rigs felt fairly sturdy, but we were immediately able to notice some niggles with the Lighting connector. Our iPhone 5 and Harman’s iPad Mini and iPod Nano clicked into place easily with the connector, but the hinge it’s built on is very loose without any tension. A slight knock could potentially send an iOS device leaning forward, which would have us concerned in a party situation (the problem is more apparent on the Venue). Secondly, the docks won’t play nice with common cases like Speck’s CandyShell, so you’ll need to have your devices naked before docking. JBL noted the quirks, stating that they have little control over the behavior of connector itself, as it’s is supplied by Apple.

JBL expects that the OnBeat Venue LT and Micro will be the only Lightning-packing speaker docks for at least the holidays, so check out the press release after the break for more details if you’re interested. As for us? We’d say the Venue LT is definitely worth a look, but we’d just as easily pass on the Micro given the myriad options out there for smaller Bluetooth-equipped speakers.

Continue reading JBL intros first Lightning-equipped speaker docks, we go ears-on

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

JBL intros first Lightning-equipped speaker docks, we go ears-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Last week, EE publicly flipped the switch on its 4G network. Launching LTE in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and (parts of) Southampton. EE also plans for an additional five cities before the new year. The new phone network, composed of equal parts T-Mobile and Orange, has other plans — and they start from £21 SIM-only (starting November 9th) while phone packages begin at £36 per month. For that, the new network offers its customers 500MB of data, plus unlimited calls and texts.

The data plans scale up from there, all the way up to 8GB of monthly data, alongside a system of on-off data bundles. So being an earlier adopter comes at a very specific cost — are the wonders of a next-generation network worth it? We inserted a fresh EE 4G SIM into an iPhone 5 and now have been using it for over a week, get our full verdict after the break.

Continue reading A week with the iPhone 5 on EE, the UK’s first 4G network

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple

A week with the iPhone 5 on EE, the UK’s first 4G network originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments