Items tagged with Accessory
You can bet that Essential in its current form is not what Andy Rubin and his team initially had in mind. The company happily trotted out its Essential Phone only to see the device tank on the market and sell fewer than 90,000 units in all of 2017. The poor sales of the device have reportedly led Essential to stop development on its second-generation smartphone and to consider selling its assets. The uncertainty in what will happen to the company hasn’t prevented Essential from following up with one of the more anticipated accessories for its smartphone. Essential has now confirmed the coming of the second of its attachment accessories for the smartphone and this one is a wired headphone...
Read more...
If you've done any shopping for a tablet lately, you’ve probably realized that they are not one-size-fits-all devices. While one person may use his tablet for business meetings and presentations, another may use it for watching movies and playing games. Some people prefer a smaller, 7-inch model while others want a larger 10-inch screen. Then there’s the choice of OS with Apple’s iOS, Android, and Windows all competing for a slice of the pie. Regardless of how you use your tablet, though, there are plenty of tablet accessories that can add to the enjoyment and functionality of your device. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular ones, some of which...
Read more...
If you've done any shopping for a tablet lately, you’ve probably realized that they are not one-size-fits-all devices. While one person may use his tablet for business meetings and presentations, another may use it for watching movies and playing games. Some people prefer a smaller, 7-inch model while others want a larger 10-inch screen. Then there’s the choice of OS with Apple’s iOS, Android, and Windows all competing for a slice of the pie. Regardless of how you use your tablet, though, there are plenty of tablet accessories that can add to the enjoyment and functionality of your device. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and useful...
Read more...
Over the past few years, the consumer electronics industry has shifted in some fairly monumental ways. Desktop sales are eroding, tablet sales are growing, dumbphones are becoming ever more useless, and the peripheral market is expanding rapidly. When you're Logitech, shifting to avoid negative consequences seemingly means cutting staff. The company just announced plans to cut 140 positions, which amounts to around 5% of its non-manufacturing staff. It's all part of a grander scheme to streamline operations as it shifts away from dying businesses and embraces mobile. According to the company: "These priorities include increasing focus on mobility products, improving profitability in PC-related...
Read more...
You know those cute little white cubes that ship with pretty much every iPod touch, iPhone and iPad? Those are charging blocks, with a simply USB slot in there that's used for charging just about any portable device on the planet. And for years now, something similar has been shipping with -- you guessed it -- pretty much every portable device on the planet. Over time, most gadget hounds have amassed quite the collection of these charging cubes, and considering that many of those very hounds also use the USB sockets on their laptops as chargers -- well, you have to wonder how many of those cubes are going unused on a daily basis. Turns out, network operator O2 and handset maker HTC did indeed...
Read more...
Docking stations aren't what they once were. While they used to be just about everywhere, oftentimes tied to chubby business laptops, the increased power and use of wireless technologies has made them a bit of a dud. But there's still room for more universal solutions, particularly with USB 3.0 out in the open. Kensington has launched two new USB 3.0 docks based around DisplayLink's USB graphics tech, which also includes support for Gigabit Ethernet and Audio. The Office Dock sd3500v provides the ultimate hot desk expansion and productivity solution with dual-head video support for HDMI and DVI/VGA displays, Gigabit Ethernet, up to 5.1 channel audio via HDMI, and USB3 and USB2 expansion ports,...
Read more...
The iPad may not be a full-fledged computer, but leave it to Logitech to try and bring it closer to being one. The company has just introduced the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the iPad. It's a clip-on unit that attaches to the side of one's iPad, and in addition to adding a full QWERTY keyboard, it also includes a battery that could last for up to half a year. Half a year! That's based on using it for two hours a day, so heavier users will obviously need to charge up more often. It's available now for pre-order at $100, but if you're waiting to see if an iPad Mini hits before the end of the year, you may want to hang tight here as well....
Read more...
Remember that BMW-inspired gaming tower from a while back? Hopefully you've still got yours, because a new accessory has cropped up to complete the pairing. BMW and Thermaltake have joined forces in order to provide the Level 10 M gaming mouse, which might be the most insane looking mousing device this side of a Razer Naga. It's a lightweight, finely tuned piece of machinery, and there are plenty of open spaces to peek around at the particulars. It's divided into lower and top part which seems to float over the base, and the steering element of the mouse can be adjusted in regards to height and angle. It also packs a solid aluminum base, air-through ventilation system, and a software inclusion...
Read more...
A new day, a new controller accessory. That's a saying, right? At any rate, N-Control has launched a new Avenger Elite, which is expected to release at the end of this month. The device is designed to wrap around gamepads (on PS3 and Xbox 360)and provide actual levers and triggers, which is generally seen as more intuitive than buttons. The new AE is a familiar face, stepping up over the original, with this one boasting improved materials, more sensitivity and a new spring button that bolsters feedback. Yes, you need to be a hardcore gamer to justify $50+ for a controller wrap, but if you aren't hardcore... what are you? N-Control Launches Avenger Elite: Offers More Speed and Accuracy for Games...
Read more...
You may not be super familiar with AViiQ, but they're a mobile accessory and design company that tends to crank out some pretty unique products. The latest is the Ready Clips, giving consumers a convenient way of charging or transferring data to and from any USB 2.0. port. AViiQ Ready Clips are said to "eliminate the headaches associated with tangled cables via a minimalistic pen-sized design, and are now available for Micro, Mini and Apple devices." Each one measures 5.5 inches long, ¼ inch thick and weighs less than 0.5 pounds for easy storage and transporting. They are also completely bendable and feature a conveniently designed clip that allows it to be secured in any pocket,...
Read more...
MSI announced a new front control panel known as the MultiConnect Panel as well as the "world's first" voice command technology with system boot control in the form of the Voice Genie. MSI's MultiConnect Panel offers support for Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless as well as an OC Genie button that will enable MSI mainboard users to increase system performance with the push of a button. The MultiConnect Panel also features a Super Charger that provides three times higher voltage than conventional USB ports so you'll be able to quickly charge your smartphone, tablet, and other gadgets via a MSI X79 mainboard. MSI's Voice Genie is a voice control system that lets users enable and disable OC...
Read more...
It's that time again. The time of year where students and parents frantically hit e-tailers with overnight shipping deals in order to get that all-important back-to-school technology into a dorm room or backpack before classes begins. It's back-to-school season, and whether you've started classes recently or are awaiting (dreading?) that first 8AM lecture, there may be a few bits of techno-shopping that need to be taken care of before you can be on your way to that straight-A report card... HotHardware's 2011 Back To School Shopping Guide...
Read more...
It's that time again. The time of year where students and parents frantically hit e-tailers with overnight shipping deals in order to get that all-important back-to-school technology into a dorm room or backpack before classes begins. It's back-to-school season, and whether you've started classes recently or are awaiting (dreading?) that first 8AM lecture, there may be a few bits of techno-shopping that need to be taken care of before you can be on your way to that straight-A report card. Whether you're about to begin the Fall semester of college or your senior year in high school (or something else entirely), you'll probably need the right hardware to get you...
Read more...
If you've got a thing for buying a new mouse every time a new one hits the market, you may need to find another hobby. The mice are crawling out of their holes at an alarming rate these days -- between Logitech, Razer, Microsoft and SteelSeries, it's hard to even keep track of these tracking devices. Logi is on deck this time with a newcomer, the Optical Gaming Mouse G400. It's said to be the follow-up mouse to the MX518, which currently sits as the company's best-ever selling gaming mouse. Needless to say, those are big shoes to fill. If you look closely, you'll see that the overall design of the G400 is very similar to that of the MX518, and that's intentional. Logitech went out of their way...
Read more...
These days, it's not enough to just give users the ability to listen to music on their handheld. Any 'ole iPod or phone can do that. It's about bringing that same functionality to the car. XtremeMac is an accessory company that has been doing just that for years now, and their latest product extends that with power and Bluetooth. The new InCharge Auto & Home Bluetooth charging and wireless audio solutions allows users to simultaneously charge and wirelessly stream music from iPod, iPhone or iPad through home stereo system or car radio. The InCharge Home BT and Auto BT are both "Made For iPod, iPhone and iPad" devices, with the Home acting as a wireless audio receiver and 10-watt USB wall...
Read more...
You've heard of corded USB mice, and you've heard of Bluetooth mice. But a Wi-Fi mouse? Could it be? HP's calling this device the industry's first Wi-Fi mouse, using Link-5 technology to pipe in mouse commands over a standard Wi-Fi connection. No dongles, no nubs, and no Bluetooth module required. Also, the battery is expected to last an astonishing nine months, and there are five customizable buttons that allow users to create shortcuts for common actions such as cut, paste, undo and redo. You'll get a 4-way tilt-scroll wheel, 30 feet of range and a sculpted form with rubber sides to ensure a comfortable, secure grip that can be used in the right or left hand. Speaking of Link-5, that tech allows...
Read more...
It's not quite as sophisticated or complex as some of the liquid cooling options we've seen lately, but there's still a monster market out there for standard case fans. NZXT knows a thing or two about the hardcore gaming PC sect, and they're introducing this week a new FS-200 LED fan lineup to provide powerful gusts with no noise. And in order to make modders happy, these are available with green, blue or red LED lighting. Each FS-200 Silent LED Fan contains their own controller, but also comes packaged with a splitter allowing the Phantom’s LED switch to support two fans simultaneously. Expect these out later in the month for $17.99 each. NZXT Expands Silent LED Fan Series New FS-200 LED...
Read more...
Keyboards have been around a long, long time. And come to think of it, so have Bluetooth keyboards and flexible keyboards. But that said, we haven't seen a good option combining both of those in quite some time, and that's where Scosche comes in. The accessory maker has just revealed their new freeKEY, a flexible / wireless keyboard that's designed specifically to travel well and use with the iPad 2 or any other BT-enabled tablet. It's a flexible membrane of a keyboard, complete with a waterproof exterior and support for Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS. There's an expected range of 30 feet, and once paired with a device the freeKEY will automatically re-pair with that device the next time...
Read more...
Are you ready to take your game to the next level? The NEXT LEVEL? What about the level after that? If so, you're ready for the Razer Talon, a high-precision biomechanical exoskeleton, build specifically for the gamer willing to risk life and limb to come out on top in the deathmatch. It's a world's first, of course, and it's redefining the speed of gaming. Average gamers can accomplish 100 actions-per-minute, while hardcore gamers can reach around 300 APM. But with the Razer Talon, you can easily see that soar to 3000. Easily. You'll be a weapon of destruction by yourself. "The Razer Talon will start overloading your nerve endings within 2ms of turning on the Talon NerveLoad SysOps module, enabling...
Read more...
A keyboard is a keyboard, right? Not at all. We tend to favor mechanical keyboards for gaming, backlit keyboards on our notebooks, and keyboards with integrated trackpads for use with our HTPC setups. IOGEAR has a long history of providing keyboards for that last application, and they're keeping the trend alive in the new year. The company has just launched a new keyboard, the Multi-Link Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad (GKM611B) for wireless management of up to six Bluetooth enabled devices. Yep, a Bluetooth keyboard, optimized for HTPC use. The idea here is that the keyboard can connect to up to six devices, so you could control your HTPC at one moment, then take it into the den and control...
Read more...
FM transmitters have been around nearly as long as the iPod itself; for awhile, it was the primary way to transfer audio from a media player into a car stereo. But now, many head units have aux inputs, and a bunch also have Bluetooth capabilities. But what if your car still doesn't? There's an app (and a device) for that. New Potato Technologies, a start-up from North Carolina, has just released their TuneLink Auto. It's a unique Bluetooth-to-FM transmitter, but it requires an iOS app to control it. That keeps the cigarette adapter more compact, giving users control over the FM station right on their handset. It works with iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and it simply converts signals received over...
Read more...
Take a look at this USB dongle. Seen it before? You probably have, but from another company and for another purpose. Logitech's Unifying USB receiver looks a lot like this little guy, and it's possible that they actually use the same enclosure. But Logitech's unit is there to connect wireless peripherals to a PC. This one connects whatever PC that it's in to a Wi-Fi network. It's TRENDnet's latest peripheral, and they're calling it the world's smallest Wireless N USB adapter. And while we have seen quite a few Wi-Fi adapters over the years, we can't recall a single one any smaller than this. The ultra compact form factor measures just 0.59 x 0.74 x 0.28 inches (1.5 x 1.9 x 0.7 cm), and when it's...
Read more...
