IRL: Optrix XD5 waterproof iPhone case and the RokDock charging stand

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

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One of the many perks of being Darren Murph: you get to travel the world, testing ruggedized, waterproof iPhone cases along the way. Meanwhile, our contributor Jason Hidalgo isn’t making any excuses for liking a $99 charging dock that doesn’t do anything else. Because, you know, CNC-machined aluminum.

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Optrix XD5 ultra-rugged camera

Have you heard of Optrix before? If you haven’t perhaps it is time to check out just what they offer. Optrix boasts of being the designer of ultra-rugged action video and sports specialty housings just for the iPhone, and this time around, their latest efforts have culminated in the Optrix XD5, which has been described as the first ultra-rugged, camera optimizing system for the iPhone 5 that will allow users to record wide-angle HD videos, never mind that the conditions around them are less than ideal and would scare away lesser men.

The Optrix XD5 system will make use of features from its award-winning XD4 device, which will include the 175 degree lens that enhances the iPhone 5’s 1080p HD optics as well as the clear protective membrane which allows users to continue using their iPhone 5 which remains in the housing. This will enhance the previous design with a thinner, lighter and stronger unibody, while the presence of a new rail mounting system makes it a snap for quick on-off for helmets, chest mounts, water sport mounts, and handle mounts among others.

Specially designed with a similar concept in mind as that of a high tech Formula 1 race car, the Optrix XD5 will make use of a “monocoque” protective unibody system which encapsulates the iPhone 5, helping shield it from pressure while making it drop safe, even from heights of up to 40 feet. Apart from that, the XD5’s enhanced design will also make use of a unique waterproofing seal which is said to guarantee a waterproof ability up to a depth of 15 feet.

In addition, the XD5 will also incorporate a second door to access charging connectors, headphone jack and microphone, making it the perfect option if you are on the lookout for an everyday rugged case. Optrix is not all about hardware either, as they offer a suite of cutting-edge video recording and editing software and apps such as VideoPro.

Press Release
[ Optrix XD5 ultra-rugged camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Optrix XD5 Rugged iPhone 5 Case Announced

XD5 Optrix XD5 Rugged iPhone 5 Case Announced[CES 2013] If you love the Optrix case for the iPhone 4, then you will be happy to hear that the company is releasing a new rugged case for the iPhone 5. Introducing the Optrix XD5, marketed as the world’s most rugged iPhone 5 case. The XD5, made from military grade products, is a wide-angle camera case that is capable of withstanding the challenging conditions of the outdoors. Optrix has made its latest case thinner, lighter, and stronger. In fact, it does have a higher waterproof rating. (more…)

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Optrix XD Sport Wide-Angle action case

If you happen to own a smartphone and yet are an adrenaline junkie yourself, then you might be interested to hear about the Optrix XD Sport Wide-Angle action case, which was developed in partnership with iStabilizer. Just what the heck does the Optrix XD Sport Wide-Angle action case do? For starters, it was specially designed to be able to transform the iPhone 4, 4S and iPod touch into an extreme wide-lens camera, as users will be able to delight in the Glidepro handheld video stabilizer, rugged flexible Dolly, extendable Monopod and Flex Tripod to it’s stable of accessories and mounts.

John Willenborg, founder of Optrix, said, “Although the XD Sports Case is military grade and rugged enough to withstand almost any condition, it is also the perfect iPhone case for photography enthusiasts. Our new line of accessories gives both photography novices and professionals even more options to capture their memories while keeping their device safe.”

The Glidepro Hand Stabilizer is ideal to capture smooth and steady videos just about anywhere, where it does away with the shakes that are normally associated with hand-held filming. Not only that, it uses similar technology that is found in professional filmmaking equipment. Apart from that, there is the Dolly Flexible Roller that is perfect for tracking shots, time lapse, artistic work and capturing travel videos, and large wheels help provide smooth movement, while the presence of 11” adjustable arm paves the way for one to shoot via unique angles and positions.

Last but not least, the Monopod Extendable Arm is suitable for self-portraits, high/low angles, self-videos and POV shots, where its extendable arm provides access to hard to reach camera angles and positions. Sporting a lightweight portable design, it can extend itself up to 3 feet. It does sound as though you are spoilt for choice, so which would you settle for?

Press Release
[ Optrix XD Sport Wide-Angle action case copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Optrix XD Sport offers you a rugged and waterproof iPhone case

One must agree that the iPhone has one of the better built-in cameras among smartphones out there, although fans of the Samsung Galaxy S3 might beg to differ, not to mention the HTC One X which is said to offer the ability to shoot a still shot while you are recording video simultaneously. Still, if you are not going to change your iPhone to a different handset anytime soon and yet want to pursue shooting a better quality video under more trying circumstances, you can always give the Optrix XD Sport a go.

The name Optrix might sound familiar to many, as they are the designer of action sports video cases, and to see them make the foray into the world of smartphones is definitely something. The Optrix XD Sport can be touted to be the first rugged, waterproof iPhone case which was specially designed to change your iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch into a wide-angle action video camera. Let us learn more about the Optrix XD Sport in the extended post, shall we not?

For starters, the XD Sport is said to be able to merge the proprietary Optrix design with a 175° wide angle aluminum and glass lens, offering sports enthusiasts the ability to shoot, edit and share Full HD resolution videos. It is said to be perfect for extreme sports including mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing or motocross, where the Optrix XD Sport can be lumped under the military grade category and it will conform to military spec MIL-STD-810F.

John Willenborg, founder of Optrix, said, “The XD Sport takes capturing adventures to another level, giving extreme sports enthusiasts an affordable option to other equipment on the market. More pictures and videos are captured using cell phones than any other devices and Optrix enhances it by making their devices splash, spill, bump and drop proof.”

You can expect the Optrix XD Sport to arrive with a range of accessories, ranging from a curved and flat mount to being able to securely adhere to just about any surface. There is also a quick release latch that makes adjusting angles a snap, thanks to to a rubberized sled which will offer protection for your handset while doubling up as a case.

Press Release

[ Optrix XD Sport offers you a rugged and waterproof iPhone case copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Optrix XD Sport is a waterproof iPhone case

So you are one who loves to bring your iPhone out on adventures, even wet and wild ones simply because of the iPhone’s fantastic camera that allows you to capture images and video under the most challenging circumstances as compared to other smartphones. Well, there is the very real danger of your iPhone ending up sleeping with the fishes, which is why Optrix has come up with the XD Sport rugged waterproof iPhone case which will play nice with the iPhone 4, 4S and iPod touch – while throwing in a wide-angle action video camera capability into the mix.

The Optrix XD Sport will merge proprietary Optrix design with a 175° wide angle aluminum and glass lens, letting the more sporty minded to shoot, edit and share 1080P videos. It does not matter if you are into mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing or motocross, the XD Sport will be able to handle all the thrills and spills thanks to its military grade capability which conforms to military spec MIL-STD-810F. [Press Release]

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