Earth friendly MacBook Pro Retina 13 Sleeves Now Available at ColcaSac

Contrary to most Apple cases and covers, the sleeves made by ColcaSac are smartly designed to provide sturdy protection for the MacBook while promoting nature conservation. All products are handmade using the most durable organic materials such as hemp canvas, woven bamboo, jute burlap and recycled polyester fleece.

Each MacBook sleeve from ColcaSac is a tight fit and features a dual layer of hemp, bamboo or jute burlap exterior and a super soft fleece interior. The outer layer makes it comfortable and secure to hold the MacBook, as the inner layer makes a great cushion to protect the device from scratches and bumps. Both layers are highly breathable, while the fleece lining is thermal resistant to weather conditions. It also features a functional front pocket which makes it possible to carry along the power adapter securely.

ColcaSac's MacBook sleeves come in five stylish designs: Uintah, Hanakapiai, Zagora, Chevron and Juan Valdez.

Belkin fills the void with first third-party Lightning accessories for Apple devices

When Apple dropped the 30-pin connector in favor of Lightning for the iPhone 5, new iPods and new iPads, it also dropped much of the current accessory market: short of an expensive adapter, years of collecting docks and more exotic peripherals were for nought. Belkin is stepping into that vacuum with what it says are the first officially sanctioned third-party Lightning accessories. Neither its Charge + Sync Dock (seen at left) for the iPhone 5 nor its Car Charger for Lightning (right) are what we'd call revolutionary, but they both cover missing pieces of the puzzle -- including Apple's, as the tech firm skipped making an iPhone dock of its own for this generation. Should either the audio-supporting dock or the iPad-capable charger sound appealing, both are up for pre-orders today and will ship in mid-November for $30.

[Source: Engadget]

Eyes on with the new Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories

With every camera comes camera accessories, and Samsung's new Galaxy Camera is no different. On show at the Samsung booth at IFA 2012 in Berlin is a selection of cases and other interesting items for future Galaxy Camera owners. 

Camera cases are to be expected, and there are the usual array of generic looking carrying cases as well as carry cases that look a little more tailored to the device. Additionally, there are a pretty decent choice of protective shells shaped to the Galaxy Camera that look to be available in a whole variety of colors, some more daring than others. 

There is also some pretty interesting stuff on the horizon for the Galaxy Camera, including wireless charging. We're told this isn't something that will be ready at launch, and that what we see on show today is more of a design concept of something they're planning in the future. The other concept accessories shows off some professional looking add-ons, so it goes to show that Samsung is very serious about this device.

[Source: Android Central]

Eyes on with the new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 accessories

So, we've seen the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, we've played with it, what's next? How about a look at the accessories that Samsung has shown off in it's giant booth at IFA 2012 in Berlin to go with the device? Sound good?   As you would expect from Samsung, there are cases. A lot of cases. First up is the protective case, which partners a hard shell rear with a kind of rubberized bumper that will cover the sides and top of the Note 2. These look to be available in the same colors as the device itself, along with a kind of baby pink if you should so desire.  Next we have a selection of pouches which may or may not be leather -- hard to tell from behind glass -- available in a few colors, including brown.  

Then comes the huge selection of flip covers. These look pretty much like the Galaxy S 3 flip covers, and pair a hard shell rear with a front cover that flips over and completely encases the device. Purple. pink, orange, white, green, blue, there's a pretty broad spectrum of color choices available.   Additionally, there will be a vehicle dock available, additional S-Pen's and desktop docks and battery chargers to cater for every occasion.  They're some pretty nice looking accessories, and of course we have pictures for you which you'll find after the break.

[Source: Android Central]

Droidax Power Pack for the Samsung Galaxy S3

Like many a first wife in Texas has said, you can never have too much power. (At least that's what I assume first wives in Texas say. But then again I watch a lot of "Dallas.") To that end, we present the Droidax Power Pack for the Samsung Galaxy S3.  If this idea looks familiar, it should. It's in the same vein as arguably the most important iPhone accessory -- the Mophie Juicepack. This is a dual-function accessory -- it's a case and an external 2300 mAh battery combined, prolonging life in more ways than one.

[Source: To read the full article visit Android Central]

Would You Wear an Internet-Connected T-Shirt?

T-shirts are great outerwear, especially in the summer. But they’re just so, you know, analog. That may change, though. Ballantine’s, the brand behind the tattoo-based “Human API,” has a new idea it calls “T-Shirt OS.”  The concept: A T-shirt with an ultrathin LED screen that’s connected to the Internet (via your smartphone) and can display tweets, your Intstagram feed and even take photos. Though the technology to do all this is available, it’s not clear whether consumers want such an item. Hence the video above, which is a sort of trial balloon for the concept. If you like what Ballantine’s is proposing, then visit the brand’s Facebook Page.  

[Source: Mashable]

O2 launches value Pay & Go Pocket Hotspot to create “Wifi in your Pocket”

O2 has entered the Mobile Wifi arena with O2 Pocket Hotspot , a new pocket-sized device and tariff that will enable anyone to get a “Wifi hotspot in their pocket”. The new service launches on 2 August 2012.

The new device enables up to five devices to connect simultaneously, sharing mobile internet access. The device is the perfect partner for a growing number of Wifi-enabled mobile devices that consumers increasingly want to be able to use on the move – including tablets, games consoles and cameras, as well as conventional laptop users. It will mean customers can use all their internet-connected devices on the move.

The new device will come with two Pay & Go data options: a daily top-up and 1GB or 2GB bundles (both of which have a 30 day term). Offering a Pay & Go mobile Wifi solution means that O2 Pocket Hotspot customers can get some of the most competitive rates available for mobile internet access without having to sign up to 12 month (or longer) contracts.

Gary Booker, GM Consumer at O2 says of the launch:

“We saw a big gap in the market for a Mobile Wifi package that offered lower start-up costs and competitive data. 

“Customers have told us that they want access to the web on the go, but that they don’t always want to sign up for year-long contracts or to buy lots of data from the outset. O2 Hotspot has been designed to cater for exactly those needs: lowering up-front costs and offering customers lots of options when it comes to the amount of data they buy – what they need, when they need it.”

Starter package costs: O2 Pocket Hotspot

Device Cost

Starter Data

Data Cost

Total Cost

£59.99

Pay daily (200MB/day)

£2.04

NA

£59.99

1 GB (lasts 30 days)

£10.21

£70.20

£59.99

2 GB (lasts 30 days)

£15.32

£75.31

 

Ongoing cost: O2 Pocket Hotspot Pay and Go data

Data

Cost

Term

1 GB

£10.21

30 days

2 GB

£15.32

30 days

O2 Pocket Hotspot offers 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity and maximum download speeds of 21.6 Mbps and upload at 5.76 Mbps.

 Gary Booker added:

“There are growing numbers of consumers wanting to be able to use the devices they get internet access on at home while they’re on the move.

“Whether tablet users who want access to the web, gamers who want to carry on playing wirelessly while they’re on the move or business customers who are fed up with slow connections on trains or hunting down the nearest WiFi point, O2 Hotspot is the ideal solution.

“Because you can connect up to five devices at once, we also think that this product will appeal to students who want a fast connection but don’t have a telephone line for home broadband or even those who want internet access out of the range of their home router – in the garden for example.”

To find out more, visit: http://www.o2.co.uk/broadband/mobile-broadband/o2-pocket-hotspot

PowerBrick. Your best friend for a powerful lifestyle! [advertorial]

At home, at work and on vacation, say goodbye to the mess, to the ugly multi-plug adapter full of chargers, plugs and wires, and to the tangles of cables. The innovative universal multi-charger PowerBrick by Feligan recharges everything at once, with style and tidiness!
Creativity and innovation are the main features of PowerBrick, the universal charging station able to power and supply up to 11 devices simultaneously: mobile-phones and smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs, consoles for gaming, digital cameras and  camcorders, nav-sats, mp3-players and many more. It has been invented, built and patented by Feligan Ltd., an Italian hi-tech startup. PowerBrick is  the first really  universal multi-charger able to power and supply more than 10,000 electronic devices.

 

Main Features of PowerBrick
PowerBrick has three main features that make it unique, useful and innovative.
6 customizable connectors  able to recharge  every electronic device, even the most modern smartphones and tablets! Each connector is retractable, so you can use your device while charging. When not in use, the cables are retractable to save space and keep everything tidy and clean. 
2 high-power USB ports (10 W each port)   useful to recharge everything, even a  tablet. 
2 universal sockets (1500 W) that allow you to supply even the most demanding electric devices, like laptops, cordless phones, lamps, or even hairdryers. The universal sockets can supply  every kind of plug: American,English, Schuko, Australian, Swiss, Europlug, and many more.

 

Customizable Connectors
Feligan has more than 15 different connectors available at the moment!
Here you can find some example:
- micro USB
- mini USB
- Apple (iPad, iPod e iPhone)
- Nokia (2 different connectors)
- Samsung (4 different connectors)
- Motorola
- Sony-Ericsson (2 different connectors)
- LG
- Nintendo DSL
- Playstation Portable (DC-Jack)
- MultiTip
Every smartphone and mobile phone actually on the market is compatible with PowerBrick! Even many other devices, like tablets, mp3-players and many more!

 

Two high power USB ports
PowerBrick is equipped with 10W USB ports.
The 2 high power USB ports are perfect to recharge modern tablets, like Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia and many more.

The high power USB ports of the PowerBrick universal charger are also compatible with mp3 player, cameras, camcorders and many other device with USB charging cable.

 

Two Universal sockets
1500W whenever and wherever you need it, for each electric and electronic device.
PowerBrick universal charger is equipped with two high power universal sockets.
The universal sockets allows plugs from all over the world to be inserted: USA, UK, Swiss, Europlug, Schuko, Italian, and many more! PowerBrick is really useful, at home or in the office!

 

Available in glossy-white or glossy-black colors, PowerBrick is just £59.99 and free shipping on Expansys Online Store.

 

If you prefer to customize your PowerBrick, you can get it on the Official Feligan Store.
Discover the product website here.

Monster Cable's Turbine Challenge

Take part in Monster Cable's Turbine Challenge for your chance to review a pair of Turbine In-Ear Speakers. Geekanoids will be bringing you a review of this product soon, but you can follow the step by step rules below for your chance to review them too:

 

    How the Turbine Challenge Works:
    
    1.  Go to Turbine Challenge on Monster's Facebook page found HERE:
    2.  You fill out the application and answer questions about your
    music preferences, listening medium, and interests.
    3.  Monster matches you with the right headphones: Turbine, Turbine
    Pearl, Turbine Pro Gold, or Turbine Pro Copper.
    4.  Monster will get back to you if you are chosen to review.  The
    options for reviewing are completely open!   You  can simply give
    feedback or you can get creative and record a review video to put
    out on their personal blog, for example. Reviews are to be posted
    on www.MonsterCable.com and other retail sites to be determined at a later date.

 

Protect your iPhone 4 & Samsung Galaxy S with a GeekPouch

A bit of outright self promotion here, so please excuse me. I make a little bit of money through the Geekanoids Shop that goes toward my running cost. Today I introduced two new Geekpouch's to the store. They are simple cloth pouches, all handmade, sized to fit specific devices. Available in various colours. A black corduroy material, red faux suede and a furry leopard print.

The two new cases for today are for the Apple iPhone 4 and the Samsung Galaxy S. Both of these are lovely phones, but at the same time they are expensive pieces of kit, so protect them with a GeekPouch. Prices start at £5.99 delivered for the UK, £10.99 delivered outside the UK. Check them out here.

In search of a NetBook Sleeve that Works!

For many years I have been coveting my Apple goodies. Often wrapping them up in cotton wool, or if the fluffy stuff runs out, then I get myself a sleeve. I have tried and tested many MacBook and MacBook Pro sleeves over the years, from the likes of Macally and CaseMate to name just a couple. I can remember ordering my first MacBook Pro case about a month before even owning the laptop itself.

However, when it comes to these tiny little NetBooks they more often than not come with a sleeve in the box. A recent purchase of one for my daughter revealed that the included sleeve is indeed free. In this case free, really meant worthless, as it offered little or no protection. I hadn't pre-ordered one either, because I thought the manufacturer (Toshiba) would have at least thought about the type of market they are selling into. In my opinion a high percentage of these NetBooks will be accompany the young student to school (as in this case too) and as such they will get thrown into school bags, bumped around for the school day and generally not really well cared for. So my task this weekend was to find an alternative. There are plenty to choose from, but I have settled on ordering a Be.ez LA Robe after reading a review on iGadget Life, it looks like a nice little pouch offering up a decent amount of styling, mixed with a nice degree of styling too. Maybe now my daughters little netbook will last more than a couple of months between being summoned to their IT room for repair.

CES 2010 Griffin Technology Announcements

CES 2010 Griffin Technology Announcements. In this video I cover the new product details and availability dates from Griffin. Including their new iFM, Hands-free Mic with Audio Cable and TuneJuice Universal. They have also announced new FM transmitters... a RoadTrip, iTrip Auto, TuneFlex Aux and PowerJolt SE. To round things off a new version of the PowerBlock Reserve for Europe, the UK and Australia.