Hasta La Gadget!

Sprint launches the HTC Evo 4G on its network next week. But most devices don’t come with much at launch, and peripherals like cases, holsters, and extended life batteries are usually weeks out from the release date. Seidio wants to be ahead of the curve and has unveiled a full line of accessories for the Evo 4G, including the Innocase Surface II protective case, holsters designed for the Evo 4G that can be used with or without the protective case, and the  Innocell 1750mAh extended life battery.

The Innocase Surface II case is designed to provide full protection for the Evo 4G and is made of firm plastic that protects the case without adding significantly to the thickness of the device. The case has two interlocking pieces that connect over the back of the device with spaces in the plastic for the camera lens, speakerphone, charging, and audio ports. The case also comes in six different colors to match your style.

The Innocell extended life battery can be used to replace the one included with the device to increase talk and standby time for the device, and Seidio has two versions of the Innocase holster: one designed for use with the Innocase Surface II and one for use without any case at all. 

One of the things we bemoaned in our EVO 4G review was the lack of an included Micro HDMI cable in the box, mostly because they’re still somewhat hard to find, but that worry can now be allayed thanks to this newly uncovered HDMI dock from HTC. It will work with the Micro-USB port at the bottom of your EVO for data and power transfers, but the main attraction will obviously be its compatibility with the phone’s Type D connector and HDMI 1.4 connectivity. Before you rush to your nearest Best Buy to get one, though, there are a couple of caveats. PC Mag‘s testing of the HDMI output found some TVs only recognized a 480p signal when the EVO was sending out 1080p, and a number of apps, including Sprint TV, refused to send their goods out over the High-Definition Multimedia Interface at all. Might be worth trying before buying in this case, as in most others.

HTC EVO 4G will have a HDMI dock, sold through Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 May 2010 03:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visa has been trying to finagle its way onto mobiles for quite a while, and its latest attempt, done in partnership with DeviceFidelity, has now been named as the In2Pay system for iPhones of 3G and 3GS varieties. Built around an app ensconced on a MicroSD card inside that oh-so-special iPhone case, this offers contactless payments anywhere that Visa’s payWave is available, as well as secure access to buildings and computer networks. Yep, that sounds like it’s definitely going to end in tears, but the brave cash collectors are pressing ahead. Trials are still set for the second quarter of this year, which makes them imminent, and soon thereafter we’ll all be making our ill-advised purchases with even greater ease. Video and full PR after the break.

Continue reading In2Pay is the name of Visa and DeviceFidelity’s money-grubbing iPhone case

In2Pay is the name of Visa and DeviceFidelity’s money-grubbing iPhone case originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, Apple. Just a few short months ago, a USB port was (largely) a USB port, charging pretty much any gizmo we could find without so much as a fuss. Now, loads of USB ports are throwing temper tantrums when faced with the energy-hungry iPad, with most simply refusing to charge the thing. Apple contends that a 10W USB port is needed to effectively rejuvenate its first tablet, though some sockets will do the trick so long as you have the display switched off. If you’re looking to quickly evaluate the strength of every USB port in your home or office, QuickerTek’s aptly-titled iPad Charge Monitor ain’t a half bad option. You simply plug this LED-infused dongle into a suspicious port, then connect the product you wish to charge to the other end; the device then glows to tell you how much power is flowing out, though there’s nothing included to deal with all-but-guaranteed bouts of frustration from seeing too few LEDs light up. It’s up for order right now at $29.95, and while you’re over there, you can pick up an iPad solar panel and an iPad external battery pack for $250 each. What a bargain.

[Thanks, Lan]

QuickerTek iPad charge monitor tests your USB port’s output potential originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh sure, we’ve seen something similar from PRS, but the reviews on the Guitarbud were — how do you say? — less than stellar. For those looking high and low for a decent alternative, IK Multimedia has outed the equally seductive AmpliTube iRig, a software / hardware tandem that enables axe slingers to jack their guitar or bass into an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and tweak their sound with a variety of amps and effects (up to 10 stomps, 5 amps, 5 cabinets and 2 microphones). The dongle also has a headphone jack for keeping your wailing to yourself (read: it’s mom and neighbor approved), and if you’re sporting a jailbroken device, you could also record your newest masterpiece while this hums along in the background. It’s a beautiful thought, no? It’s up for pre-order right now at $39.99, and you can peek a video of the solution in action just after the break.

Continue reading AmpliTube iRig brings axe slingers closer to their iPhone, creative side (video)

AmpliTube iRig brings axe slingers closer to their iPhone, creative side (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 May 2010 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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