Mobility Digest » Accessories

Think Pink: OtterBox Cases Benefit Avon Breast Cancer Crusade for Valentine’s Day

Kristofer Brozio — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:08:58 +0000

There’s no doubt we love Otterbox cases here are Mobility Digest, I’ve got an HTC Titan and sadly they don’t make one for it but if they did I’d be all over it. I try and get Otterbox cases for all of my devices as they are the best protection you can get honestly. Anyway, Otterbox is offering a special edition Commuter Series case that will benefit Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. So you can get a nice pink case for you phone that will not only protect it but you’ll be helping out in the fight against breast cancer.

Show your smartphone some love for Valentine’s Day and think pink. Trade the traditional chocolate and roses for something that will outlast the holiday – global case manufacturer OtterBox^® offers protective Commuter Series^®Strength^SM cases that benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

“OtterBox’s sponsorship of the Crusade and Avon Walk for the past two years has enabled us to support organizations nationwide that are making great strides in breast cancer research and care”

"OtterBox’s sponsorship of the Crusade and Avon Walk for the past two years has enabled us to support organizations nationwide that are making great strides in breast cancer research and care,” said Carol Kurzig, president of the Avon Foundation for Women. “There is still much more work to do to end breast cancer, which is why we are so appreciative of supporters like OtterBox that are helping us work towards creating a world without breast cancer. We are proud to once again have OtterBox as an official Avon Walk for Breast Cancer sponsor during the Avon Walk’s 10th birthday season and the 20th anniversary of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.”

In the fourth quarter alone, OtterBox donated more than $317,000 from the sale of the Commuter Series Strength cases, a marked increase over the $179,000 donated during the entire year previous. Ten percent of the purchase price directly supports the cause. The Strength line features pink-and-white Commuter Series cases for the Apple^® iPhone^® 4/4S, HTC EVO 3D and BlackBerry^® Torch^™ II; as well as two limited edition graphic cases for the iPhone 4/4S.

“We continue to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade because we believe in their ongoing commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer and advancing access to care for all,” said Curt Richardson, OtterBox founder and CEO.

For more information about the Strength line and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, visit www.otterbox.com/strength.

Mobility Digest Review: Inexpensive Screen Protector for HTC Titan from Amazon

Kristofer Brozio — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:00:56 +0000

Amazon is a great place to get inexpensive accessories for your phone. For the most part I’ve had very good luck buying cases and things that cost under $5. Recently I got an HTC Titan and I’m the type of person that must have a screen protector on my devices, I just have to so I went to Amazon and grabbed one for about $2. Is it worth it? Maybe, sort of, not really. So I’ve got a very quick review of it for you…

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Vendor: Amazon

Price: about $2

Overall Rating: 2/5

Specs/Features:

Crystal Clear Screen Protector for HTC Titan

Crystal clear screen protector with cleaning cloth and easy installation instructions
Screen protector is 100% clear and comes individually sealed with cleaning cloth and easy install instructions.

What’s in the Box?

There is no box it comes in a plastic envelope with a cardboard insert. Apparently it’s not even the correct packaging for the screen protector either, it says anti-glare on the package, the one I got isn’t, but I wasn’t expecting it to be either.

Inside you’ll find the screen protector, cleaning cloth and squeegee card. You’ll notice the protector is sort of curled, I found out later this isn’t a good thing.

Impressions / Review:

Application is just like any other screen protector, you have to very carefully clean your phone than carefully apply it. I got it one fairly easy, only took about three tries to get it right. The protector is a bit smaller than the actual screen so you can’t line it up anywhere, you have to center it on the screen to make it look right.

The curl in the protector made it so the bottom edge isn’t all the way on my phone. it’s hard to see in the picture below but it’s up a little bit on the bottom and on the top. The bottom right corner has started coming up actually and I have to keep pushing it down.

I guess I could have tried to flatten it out by maybe putting it in a book for a few weeks, but I don’t want to wait that long and it shouldn’t have been like that to begin with. It should have been flat.

Conclusion:

So is it worth it? No I don’t think so as I’m going to have to buy another one now. I’ve been lucky with the things I buy from Amazon that are cheap and inexpensive, but it seems my luck has run out with this screen protector.

Sure I’ll keep it on my phone for now, until a better one arrives, at least it ‘s somewhat protected.

So buying inexpensive accessories from Amazon is a gamble really, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.

Pros:
+Protects screen
+Inexpensive

Cons:
-Curled up when arrived
-Smaller than screen
-Coming off screen

No related posts.

iBRIGHT Turns a Lamp Into a Dock

Kristofer Brozio — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:40:40 +0000

Well here’s something I can honestly say I’ve never seen before. It’s a lamp and it’s a dock for your iPhone or iPod. I’m not sure what to think of it though, it’s either amazing or just really dumb? What do you think? I’m not an Apple guy so all of these things just kind of overwhelm me. I like Android and Wp7, and if there was one of these for either of those devices I wouldn’t get one. Then again I have very particular tastes.

The California based online retailer iBRIGHT LLC introduced an all-new range of iPhone docking stations called iBRIGHT myLAMP. Available in three different and attractive colors; pretty pink, classic white and gorgeous black, iBRIGHT myLAMP has a host of different features that make it immensely popular. Along with high quality built-in stereo speakers built-in at the base, iBRIGHT myLAMP has a number of other features such as a clock with alarm and sleep functions, a PLL FM radio, and a docking station. These iPhone docking stations can play music on an iPhone or iPod and also recharge them. The reading lamp uses an E26 /E27 lamp holder, so different bulbs can be replaced easily. The LCD screen of iBRIGHT myLAMP also comes with an adjustable backlight. The lamp head is made of plastic and there is a choice of the shade of fabric.

One of the most unique features of iBRIGHT myLAMP that sets it apart from similar products in the market is its PLL FM radio. The maximum output of this lightweight iPhone docking station that weighs just 3 pounds is 35W and its audio cable uses a 3.5mm plug while the AC cable that is 1.83m long has a 2pin polar plug. The line in jack can also be used to connect audio from other audio devices apart from an iphone or iPad. The power of the lamp is 50/60HZ and the power supply lies in the range of 110-220V/AC. The battery of this 8 * 8 * 16.5 inches bedside lamp lasts an entire year.

The CEO of iBright LLC says, “iBRIGHT myLAMP is an innovative and smart iPhone docking station. It is the only product in the market that offers so many functions, including some unique features like PLL FM radio.” Currently, iBRIGHT myLAMP is available at a price of $99.99 from iBRIGHT LLC and they are also offering a discount on it.

http://www.theibright.com/

Scosche Intros flipCHARGE burst and rogue

Kristofer Brozio — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:19:41 +0000

Power to your iPhone and iPod! Yep, when you run out of power you can just grab one of these new little gadgets from Scosche. There’s two of them and they’re meant to provide extra or emergency power to your iPhone or iPod. I guess they’re not bad…

Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announce the availability of the new Scosche flipCHARGE burst and flipCHARGE rogue. The new back-up battery and charger line provides iPhone and iPod users with instant power when on the go. Both models feature a flush folding USB cable for synching, blue LED battery level indicator, a convenient carabiner clip and work with Scosche’s free reVIVE App for advanced power management.
“Not being able to make calls, send texts, watch videos, surf the web, access email or listen to music because of a dead battery can be extremely frustrating,” said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President of Scosche Industries. “The flipCHARGE line addresses that problem in a smart, convenient form factor that is easy to always have with you.”
Scosche’s new flipCHARGE rogue sports a powerful 1800mAh lithium polymer battery, capable of fully charging a dead iPhone or iPod. Like its namesake, the smaller flipCHARGE burst, provides an emergency 30% power burst to an iPhone and can charge a dead iPod up to70% full. Both flipCHARGE models are recharged by plugging into to any computer, wall or car charger.
The Scosche flipCHARGE burst and rouge are available now at Scosche.com ranging from $44.99 to $59.99 respectively.
Follow Scosche at twitter.com/scosche or facebook.com/scosche for the latest news on the company’s complete line of portable power solutions and all of Scosche’s award-winning products.

RTX Launches New Cordless Skype Phone

Kristofer Brozio — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:24:26 +0000

I was never one for Skype, I remember when it first came out and yeah I messed with it but there’s just too much stuff to install and have running if you try and keep up with everything. I gave up on Skype long ago, but I know a lot of you haven’t and if you’re interested RTX has just come out with a cordless Skype phone you can use in your home or office. It’s actually a combined phone, it’s both landline and Skype together in one place for you.

RTX, a leading provider of wireless communications solutions for the Enterprise PBX and SME market has announced that it is launching a combined Skype™ and landline phone. The new cordless phone, the DUALphone 4088, is being launched at ITEXPO in Miami.

The main benefit of the DUALphone 4088 is that it does not require the user to be physically connected to a PC to make VoIP calls. The caller can simply connect the DUALphone base station to a broadband connection and make Skype calls free of charge to other Skype users or have the choice of conventional paid-for landline calls worldwide.

At a time when the number of Skype calls is soaring, RTX says it expects the new handset to bring free and low cost calls to consumers worldwide. According to a recent report by telecom market research firm TeleGeography, cross-border Skype-to-Skype calls grew 48 percent in 2011, to 145 billion minutes.

Jesper Mailind CEO RTX commented, “Our new elegant DUALphone 4088 offers consumers a unique way to use Skype, bringing the benefits of wireless low cost or free calls to households across the globe at an affordable price-point. We believe there is a growing demand for dual phones from the existing 170 million Skype account holders. As more and more people use Skype our user-friendly and intuitive phone will be an attractive solution. It will also provide a business opportunity for resellers around the world.”

The new handset has a colour TFT screen and superior sound quality through the use of high definition Audio (HD Audio). The phone system can switch between two separate Skype accounts and can be extended to four handsets per household. Standard features including call waiting, voicemail and a phone contact list of 200 numbers have been enhanced by software to show the Skype status of the user and all contacts. The design of DUALphone 4088 is suitable for the modern living room.

For more information, please visit www.rtx.dk

KickStarter Project iDreamSaver

Kristofer Brozio — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:10:07 +0000

Looking to invest in a project? Well how about the iDreamSaver that is a charging dock and alarm clock that monitors your sleep state and wakes you from light sleep. Supposedly it’s a more natural wakign of waking up instead of being startled by your traditional alarm clock.

Annoying alarms have been jolting people out of bed for thousands of years, but the creators of iDreamSaver, a stand-alone, motion-activated alarm platform for the iPhone® and iPod Touch®, have developed a solution for waking in a more peaceful, natural state. The iDreamSaver alarm clock monitors sleep state and utilizes superior sensor technology to know when you’re ready to wake up—all from the luxury of a sleek charging dock.

The integrated device was launched on the crowd-funding website, Kickstarter, to accelerate production for the product. iDreamSaver, the brainchild of co-founders Drew Shepard and Greg Laugle, is a device and application two years in the making. The two co-workers both felt a need for a smarter, more natural way to wake up in the morning without the hassle of wearing bulky devices or the inconvenience of sleeping with a phone under their pillow, which could be displaced or knocked off the bed entirely.

“While the concept behind motion tracking alarm clocks isn’t new, iDreamSaver is the first practical solution of its kind,” explains Laugle. "The design is compact, the technology is reliable, and the entire user experience allows seamless integration into a normal night-time routine. All competitor solutions to-date have required some nightly setup or some other device that intrudes upon the user. The iDreamSaver does its job transparently to the user, which was really important to us.”

The scientific findings behind waking during light sleep coupled with the technology packed inside of iDreamSaver provide the perfect formula to combat the symptoms of sleep inertia. The iDreamSaver is designed to wake you when it detects movement during a specific window of time. When the “wake-window” is armed, it will sense body motion – indicating you are in a lighter sleep state – and trigger the alarm. There is also a failsafe alarm that will activate if no motion was detected during the wake-window.

The free App which accompanies the iDreamSaver hardware will boast an array of options for the user who will be able to customize many settings, including independently scheduling multiple alarms, color schemes, snooze options and much more. In addition, users can access a playlist and select their own music and use AirPlay to play tunes from any Bluetooth® compatible device instead of a traditional alarm alert.

To ensure one-handed operation, the stylish dock is engineered with special micro-suction feet to prevent the dock from lifting off the nightstand or sliding around when tapping the screen. The material used not only keeps the dock in place, but does so without leaving marks or sticky residue when removed or repositioned. It also comes with a charging cord that is twice the length of standard devices.

“Although the technology and mechanics behind iDreamSaver are tremendously sophisticated, the product itself is refreshingly simple,” says Shepard. “We wanted to create a waking solution that filled a void in the alarm clock industry and change the way the world wakes up.”

For more information about the iDreamSaver project, head over to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dshepard/idreamsaver-wake-intelligently.

Mobility Digest Review: X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker

Doug Smith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:32:43 +0000

Press Releases flow out of the CES Show pretty hot and heavy and it is easy to miss, or to forget about some very interesting products. One such product for me was the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker that packs a lot of features into a tiny little wireless speaker. As a matter of fact, the KAI Speaker is the first Bluetooth enabled speaker from X-mini, who has a large range of these mini speakers in the wired category. And as I wrote up in the press release, the need for a good portable speaker has become a real necessity not only for me, but for a lot of people because of all the streaming apps that are available that take advantage of the ever increasing markets for 3G and 4G coverage. So if you are one of the many who want to improve their audio performance wirelessly, but in a small compact device, then check out the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker in another edition of Mobility Digest Review!

In the box you get more than just the speaker, with the KAI you get a very nice carrying case as well as USB to Mini USB charge cable that also has a 3.5mm audio cable built in. Also included is a couple of small little booklets, one being the instructions on how to paid the KAI as well as user manual, and the other being an appeal by XMI to help Children International. Felt that it was was worth mentioning because so few companies use their ability to reach consumers and advocate on behalf of charities. Good stuff XMI.

Out of the box, the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker measures 50mm x 62mm with the resonator closed. Opening the resonator adds about another 31mm to the overall height. The weight of the KAI is 95.2b. The KAI has a rubberized coating over the plastic outer shell that makes it very grip-able as well as an anti fingerprint collector. The rubberized coating also makes it look like it is a very high quality speaker and not just any cheap plastic speaker you can pickup at a convenience store.

With all the build quality the KAI has that I mentioned above, XMI also put a pretty decent battery in it. With it’s 550mAh battery, you can expect to get up to 8 hours of playback time and that is after you get done charging it for 2.5 hours because that is how long it takes to charge up the KAI. I thought the battery life was very good and over several days of testing I know I got 8 or more hours out of the KAI which is pretty decent in my book. With it’s USB charging, the KAI is easy to make sure it stays full of juice plugged into your computer while at work or at play.

With it’s Bluetooth compliant v2.1 + EDR A2DP Stereo capabilities, the KAI will stay connected to your device up to 33 feet. Of course that is 33 feet from from obstruction. The Bluetooth playback time suffers more than the corded time, the BT is cut in half and lasts up to 4 hours . Pairing the KAI is super easy. All you have to do is turn it in and pick up your phone and navigate to the Bluetooth setting and find the KAI listed in the found device list. Tap the KAI on that list and pairing is pretty fast and no password is required. Very painless indeed!

The speaker on the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is pretty good for something so small. The speaker is a Magnetically Shielded 40mm driver. This is an increase over the 36mm speaker XMI was using before. The result is better sound overall. The loudspeaker output is 2.5w with a Frequency Response of 100 Hz – 18 kHz. The Signal-to-Noise ratio is ≥89dB and the Distortion is ≤0.3%. Overall the Speaker is rich in sound and has enough punch to hear from across the room. You won’ t be thumpin’’ but it’s the best highs and lows I have heard from a speaker this small. I really enjoyed listening to the KAI while playing wide ranges of different music.

The X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker has another very useful speaker and that is it’s built in microphone. Not only will you be able to hear a conference call or group call in great audio quality, but you will also be able to utilize the built in speaker as well! The microphone has a sensitivity of –34db. Here again too I really thought the KAI did a super job handling the usually poor connection international calls I have to make for work. This is a very handy feature for customers wanting to hook the KAI up to their smartphones. When a call comes in, all you have to do is answer it and you are hands free. It is not necessary to remove a 3.5mm cord connecting your device to a portable speaker for you to make and receive a call.

I review a lot of gadgets and I got to tell you that the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is one gadget I really liked and continue to not be able to put down. It is so small and compact that I can take it along anywhere with me. Of course the one thing is was missing was a lanyard which I don’t think is very necessary of there than that XMI molded in a lanyard provision in the KAI. So by now you got to be asking yourself, where di XMI get the name KAI from anyway? As it turns out, the KAI is “Fondly named after CEO Ryan Lee’s nephew, Kai, who is the first in the next generation of his family”. The only downside I have seen so far with the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker is the cost. Now granted this device comes with a lot of whistles and bells and for this reviewer is pretty darn cool, but with a US price tag of about $110.00, I think XMI may want to rethink their pricing structure some prior to launching it here. The last issue is that the KAI is not available yet. XMI is taking pre-orders and when you do, they are providing a free lanyard, something that should have been supplied with the device anyway. Knowing that Amazon will most likely get the pricing straightened out on the KAI and give consumers an avenue to purchase the KAI for a lot less money, I think this is really device you need to consider if you are in the market for a small portable Bluetooth Speaker. The quality, sound, features really put the KAI at the top of the list for my must have list of gadgets.

PROS

Great sound and build quality
Supplied with a very nice carrying case and power USB cable
Easy to pair with your smartphone, tablet, or pc.

CONS

Price has got to be the biggest concern at $110.00 USD
No Lanyard included in package

Head on over to the XMI website for more information and to preorder if the X-mini KAI Capsule Speaker fits the bill for all your portable wireless audio needs.

Titanium iPad2 Cases Coming from MeeMojo

Kristofer Brozio — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:02:05 +0000

I don’t know if you recall but a while ago I posted about the Aluminum billet cases from MeeMojo and besides the awesome good looks of them, their price is what really stuck me. The aluminum cases ran into the hundreds of dollars. The same company is set to release a titanium version of those cases, there’s no price listed so I can only imagine that most of use wouldn’t be able to afford them. To make things even more pricey, only 250 of them with be made, so I’m sure that will made the price even go higher…

MeeMojo.com, leading designer in aluminum iPhone and iPad2 cases, is now introducing a limited edition titanium iPad2 case. MeeMojo has had tremendous success creating aluminum cases for iPhones and iPads, but the introduction of the limited titanium case will even further their goal of designing a case that provides style and protection with attitude.

MeeMojo only plans on producing 250 titanium iPad2 cases, each one to have it’s own unique serial number. “Our aluminum cases have shown immense popularity,” said Tania Todorovic of MeeMojo, “but we wanted to add a unique case to give a more personalized feel.” To add to the personalization, customers will be able to add custom engravings to their titanium iPad2 case. The custom engraving will be personally added on the front face of each case with each customer’s choice of text.

MeeMojo will begin manufacturing on their titanium iPad2 cases once 50 cases have been pre-ordered. Seeing as only 250 are going to be produced, it is vital that customers get their names on the list quickly. A customer can be added to the list simply by filling out the contact form on the Contact tab at MeeMojo.com. After that a representative from MeeMojo will reach out to the customer to finalize their information and preferred customized text for their serial numbered case.

http://www.MeeMojo.com.

New USB Charger Powers 16 iPads at a Time

Kristofer Brozio — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:18:58 +0000

So are you and your family iPad and Apple fanatics? Then I’m sure you run out of spaces to charge your devices, but Datamation has got you covered with their new USB charger that can charge up to 16 iPads at one time. It can also charge iPhones and iPods, so if you’re got a big family this should work great for you.

Charging large numbers of iPads, iPhones and iPods is a challenge for many schools, businesses and other organizations. A new 16-port professional USB charging station now makes this possible.

Compact, light and easy to use, the Power Pad 16 (DS-IP-PP16) provides the optimum power required for charging iPads and other iDevices. It can be used to replace bulky power strips and the AC adapter bricks of the standard chargers.

Created by Datamation Systems, the leading provider of security carts and cabinets, with the expertise of Cambrionix state-of-the-art USB technology, this is the latest addition to an extensive suite of charge, sync, security and storage products for iPads and other devices.

“The PowerPad 16 can be placed in a cabinet, cart or carrying case. It can also be mounted on a table, wall or under a counter,” said Joe Mazza, Datamation Systems’ Vice President. “It is perfect for tech centers, trade shows, travelling labs and training centers.”

The Power Pad 16 has been used in retail environments where charging large numbers of iPads and other Apple devices has to be reliable and fast in the least possible space. Service depots report it is a perfect tool to eliminate the jumble of wires and chargers.

Designed for charging Apple devices, this will also charge many other USB-powered devices, virtually any that would charge using a standard Apple USB-connected AC adapter. It is not a “universal” USB charger but Datamation Systems is creating other versions that will accommodate most USB devices.

Datamation Systems carts, cabinets and transport cases are used in thousands of schools, libraries, hospitals and offices.

These new iPad, iPod and iPhone charging systems and other products are available from major computer sellers or directly from Datamation Systems. Additional information can be found at Datamation’s iPad and Tablet webpage.

Go Ballistic on your iPad 2

Kristofer Brozio — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:34:02 +0000

I don’t know, that was the best headline I could come up with. I’m just not in a very creative mood today. I’m just tired, and rather unhappy as I was expecting money and it’s not in my account yet. I hate when that happens. I also forgot my car needs inspected by the 31st, so I’ve only got a few days left to take care of that. Anywho, I guess I went off on a tangent there, this post is about the new Ballistic case for the iPad 2 called the Tough Jacket and it certainly looks like it will do a good job of protecting your iPad 2. The case has three protective layers to offer maximum protection and keep your iPad 2 nice and safe. Price is $69.99 and it’s available now I black or red colors.

Ballistic, advanced engineers of unique and rugged carrying solutions, announces its Ballistic Tough Jacket case for the iPad 2.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket is engineered with high quality materials. Its three layers deliver a multi-faceted protective case option unlike anything on the market:

Layer 1 – Inner silicone layer to absorb shock

Layer 2 – Impact resistant hard plastic to protect the iPad 2

Layer 3 – Shock absorbent polymer to offer added protection for iPad 2

The removable cover of the Tough Jacket has two functions: It allows you to either protect your screen while on-the-go or utilize it as a kickstand at two different angles.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket also sports patent pending Ballistic corners™ which keep all sides of your iPad 2 safe, guaranteeing it’s protected against almost any type of drop. The “lay-on-table” feature is an added design benefit of the patented Ballistic corners, which means the iPad 2 screen will never come in contact with surfaces when laid flat, keeping your screen from harm.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket case for iPad 2 is available in either Black or Red at www.goballisticcase.com and other retailers and e-tailers for $69.99.

via: http://maxborgesagency.com/media-center/