Consumer Electronics Wins

Following previously-relased versions for iMacs and MacBooks, Twelve South has extended its HiRise lineup to include HiRise for iPhone ($35). Mainly advertised for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini, the stand is also compatible with the fifth-generation iPod touch, and seventh-generation iPod nano. Made of brushed metal, it requires some […] Read the original post…

Philips will soon be extending its Hue wireless lightbulb family with the addition of LightStrips ($90) and Bloom ($80), according to a report. LightStrips are flexible two-meter LED strips that can be placed in a wide variety of places, including around frames or fixtures. Bloom is a portable lamp with […] Read the original post…

Twelve South has released HiRise for iPhone ($35), an adjustable stand for iPhone 5 and iPad mini that works exclusively with Apple’s Lightning cable. The metal pedestal elevates an iPhone 5 or iPad mini without blocking the speakers, mic, or headphone port. An Apple Lightning cable is not included with […] Read the original post…

Although iOS does a reasonably good job of limiting which applications are allowed to continue running in the background and what they can do, sometimes even a legitimate background app can run away on you causing problems like excessive battery drain and possibly even unnecessary data usage. iOS only permits […] Read the original post…

Developed by former members of Harman’s audio team, Soen Audio’s new Transit ($250) is an aspirational compact Bluetooth speaker — a tightly-engineered audio system roughly the size of a thick paperback book, ready to toss into any bag or briefcase. Rather than compromising on materials, Transit features aluminum accents including […] Read the original post…

The half-inch thick box is almost square, but it’s about a quarter-inch taller than it is wide. There’s a horizontally-centered power button on front, towards the top. An LED ring around it shows the estimated battery life remaining. It’ll be red at under 40%, orange between 40% and 70%, and […] Read the original post…

We quite liked the look of these batteries. Both feature glossy white hoods expanding out slightly as they move down over matte red bodies. It’s a nice combination of textures and colors, simply but smartly designed. The higher-capacity model is about an inch wider, but both are a little over […] Read the original post…

Surprisingly few accessories have combined Apple’s new and old connectors, thanks to what we’ve heard was an early Apple directive to keep them separate. Nonetheless, id America’s CrossLink Universal Sync & Charge Cable ($18) uses an unlicensed Lightning plug, in addition to Dock Connector and micro-USB connectors. For those who […] Read the original post…

Based on its earlier Slim Armor case, Spigen SGP has introduced Tough Armor for iPhone 5 ($30). At its core, the basic structure is the same: a silicone rubber body reinforced with a plastic backplate. There are both obvious and subtle differences. The case is just a bit thicker, with […] Read the original post…

Apple has announced a new USB Power Adapter Takeback Program following two reported user-shocking incidents in China that were blamed on third-party adapters, one of which allegedly caused a woman’s death, and another allegedly placing a man in a coma. The new program lets customers drop off third-party adapters with […] Read the original post…

Five years have passed since we’ve tested a new Apple-focused audio system from Soundcast, which previously impressed us with its large, outdoor-ready speaker OutCast. Now the company has launched Melody ($450) as a considerably less expensive and more readily “portable” solution. Built with a 20-hour rechargeable battery, a top carrying […] Read the original post…