Apple Testing Keyboard Case for Potential Release Alongside iPad 5

According to ex-Apple Developer Relations employee and industry analyst Jamie Ryan, Apple has been testing a first-party keyboard case to be potentially released alongside the upcoming fifth-generation iPad. The case itself would reportedly be similar in nature to Microsoft's Touch Cover, which is made for the Surface line of tablets...

Ryan also adds that the primary motivation behind the development of the case is that Apple's current Bluetooth keyboard is not as integrated as Microsoft's Touch Cover, and that Apple is interested to create a better keyboard solution for the full-size iPad in order to distinguish it from the iPad mini. The analyst also adds that other cover-like accessories are also being looked at for release...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Will the Samsung Galaxy S4 be King of the Smartphones

The race has been going on for years … which smartphone would be the thinnest? the fastest? or perhaps highest resolution camera? And for 2013 it seems to be all about the screen resolution. With many smartphones all launching with 1920x1080 full HD resolution screens, what could be next?

At the end of April 2013 we will see the Samsung Galaxy S4. Yes, it is fast, has a a nice camera and a full HD screen to top it off. I personally remember when Samsung announced it. With their tongue on cheek presentation they showed us Smart Pause, where the video you are watching pauses when you look away. Next up is Air View & Gesture, where you greasy fingers do not even need to touch the screen to navigate your way around. And then we have S Health which tracks your activity, daily food intake and weight … promising a fitter you.

These features are just a few of the many new enhancements which I termed gimmicks when I first saw them. However, we all need to take a step back and think, what else could Samsung do to move this type of technology forward? And I think they are brave in trying to give us some really unique features. OK, so everyone will use S Translator every day, but if you find yourself in a foreign country, perhaps on holiday, you will be glad to have it at your disposal. I strongly believe that all manufacturers are beginning to realise that things like a high megapixel camera on a tiny phone sensor is not a cutting edge feature. Rest assured, when they react to the Galaxy S4 you will see them all squashing in tonnes of new features to their 2014 products. By then, Samsung may well have the lead that they need to take the top spot in this sector.

As with every new smartphone launch, a good selection of accessories always follow and one that caught my eye is official View Cover. Without even opening the cover you can see the current time & useful notifications, the contrasting colour of the display peeping through is awesome and… it looks very sexy too.

By now you should now that I try new smartphones out practically every day. I am an avid iPhone user, but have been tempted away with the likes of the Lumia 920 and a couple of years back, the Blackberry Bold 9900. I feel very strongly that Apple need to react to their competitors smartphones, with their lovely high res large screens. The App argument is no longer an issue either (at least where Google Android is concerned). With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4… of course I will be testing & reviewing it. Who knows, if it delivers on performance, as I am sure it will, the SGS4 might find its way into my pocket and if it does the View Cover is mine too.

Samsung Galaxy S4 cases launched

Gadget accessories company, Proporta, has released its collection of cases for the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone. Adopting its wealth of experience in protective, fashionable accessories for the latest technology innovations, the line-up of Galaxy S4 cases includes signature Proporta favourites, fashion brands and fresh designs.

Leather Case with Aluminium Lining - £29.95 Leather Style Flip Case - £24.95

Lynnette Prigmore, Head of Product at Proporta, expressed her delight at the announcement of the new S4 and commented on the accompanying cases: "In the world of Smartphone tennis it would appear that Samsung has had the first serve for 2013 and, in some areas, raised the bar for mobile technology with a new S4 rammed full of features. For the industry and Proporta, where we continue to manufacture our own branded, British designed accessories as well as producing cases and sleeves for a number of global fashion and lifestyle brands, this makes for a very exciting time. As with any new device launch, it's a race against the clock for the accessories market; our design team will once again have initial designs ready for pre-order first thing - with many more designer cases to follow in the next few weeks."

Union Jack Case - £14.95 Screen Protector - £4.95

Quiksilver Hard Shells - £19.95 each 'Redemption', 'Blue Checks', 'Black' and 'Echo Beach'

Twelve South Releases BookBook Case for 15" Retina MacBook Pro

South Carolina-based accessory maker Twelve South has released a new version of its BookBook case, this time for the 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The case matches those available for the iPad and iPhone, as well as existing ones for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air models. The 13" MacBook Pro with Retina fits into the existing case designed for the 13" MacBook Air.

Designed exclusively for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display, BookBook is a totally unique case for the thinnest of MacBooks. Weighing as little as 13.5 ounces with an ultra-thin profile, this handmade, genuine leather case offers heavy duty protection. Two hardback covers, reinforced corners and a cushioned spine offer solid impact protection. The inside of the case is lined with a velvety soft, chocolate brown, padded interior for added protection.

BookBook cases for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air models and the 13" and 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display are available for $80 from Twelve South's website.

[Source: MacRumors]

Samsung announces new waterproof, ruggedized Galaxy Xcover 2

We've still got about a month until Mobile World Congress spills forth an untold number of unseen smartphones, but Samsung's announced something a little early. The Galaxy Xcover 2 is its new ruggedized smartphone, with GPS and GLONASS pitching it directly at the adventurers among us. It's water resistant up to a depth of one meter and can hold its breath for 30 minutes, while a 4-inch WVGA display will beam out Android 4.1. Expect to see the same Motion UI features spotted on other Samsung devices recently, including the ability to overturn and mute incoming calls. It'll be powered by an as-yet unmentioned 1GHz dual-core processor, while a 5-megapixel camera will peer out the back. There's also physical camera button to ensure you don't miss any of your underwater adventures.

Samsung mention that the Xcover 2 will also pack a Cardio trainer Pro workout app, although there doesn't appear to be any hardware additions to augment the fitness program -- aside from a strap holder. No word yet on where the phone is expected to land, nor how much the jungle-ready slab might set you back, but we'll be sure to drop it on the ground in Barcelona in a few weeks time.

[Source: Engadget]

QDOS Protects iPhone 5 with New Unique Case Collections

19th September 2012 - QDOS, a designer of innovative accessories for iPhone, iPod, iPad, smartphones and tablets, today announces the first of many new chic and unique cases for the hugely anticipated iPhone 5. Nine cases make up three eye-catching collections named Pure, Metallics and Racing, ensuring there is an option for all tastes. Including designs that are bright, industrial, classic and classy, each case combines lightweight, scratchproof, polycarbonate material, with a finish that promises to stand the test of time. Perfect for protecting that precious, ‘must-have’ new gadget, they are available now from www.qdossound.com at £19.99.

Blending original design with inspiration from the successful iPhone 4 collection, the distinctive new cases are all made from hardwearing polycarbonate said to be as strong as steel but as light as cork, great for today’s gadget hungry user on the move. Designed to preserve the look and feel of the new iPhone 5, the polycarbonate has been layered to emulate the double glass finish of the device. To ensure the aesthetically pleasing designs withstand everyday impacts and retain their shape, each graphic is embedded deep within the polycarbonate, guaranteeing fade, peel and chip resistance.

These durable cases fit snugly round the iPhone 5 offering easy access to all new sockets, buttons and camera lenses and protecting the device from any dust creeping in. As always, the device remains easy to use whilst the unique bevelled outside edges provide rugged protection and reinforced grip.

The Smoothies Pure collection: This light and slim line collection boasts three classic colours. White for every occasion, Black for a masculine feel or outstanding bright Red for a fiery iPhone 5.

The Metallics collection: For a more industrial feel, the Metallics range includes three unique designs. A Mirrored Union Jack for a patriotic, pop art look, a unique brushed Titanium design for a stunning glass and steel effect and finally a Mirrored case perfect for checking reflections on the go.

The Smoothies Racing collection: These chic darker colours ooze class and the metallic paint finish emulates a premium racing car design. Choose from Khaki,Purple or Blue and really stand out from the crowd.

For more information regarding these cases, please visit their website here.

A new iPhone, a new sleeve

These sleeves are based on the design characteristics of the originals collection (blend of contemporary design, functionality and high quality materials). The iPhone 5 wallet now features a color combination of light- and dark grey wool felt to create an interesting contrast and a sense of detail.

Take a look: The Sleeve - The Wallet

So… Samsung DID copy Apple

This is the biggest news story I have read in a long time (very important link below). According to an article from AllThingsD new documentation has been submitted in the Apple vs Samsung case.

"As part of its case against Samsung, Apple has shown snippets of an internal Samsung document comparing the original Galaxy S phone with the iPhone.

On Tuesday, Apple managed to get the whole 132-page document admitted into evidence. And it’s a doozy.

The 2010 report, translated from Korean, goes feature by feature, evaluating how Samsung’s phone stacks up against the iPhone.

Authored by Samsung’s product engineering team, the document evaluates everything from the home screen to the browser to the built in apps on both devices. In each case, it comes up with a recommendation on what Samsung should do going forward and in most cases its answer is simple: Make it work more like the iPhone."

You can read through the whole document here … it makes for a very interesting read, with direct comparisons all the way through, including comments on how Samsung should copy, but make subtle changes too their UI.

[Source: AllThingsD]

Nexus 7 accessory lineup leaks, POGO dock and premium leather case coming soon

Since the release of the Nexus 7 there hasn't been all that many official accessories made available for it and those that have appeared, disappeared just as fast. There is clearly more on the way though as shown off in some leaked documents from Nordic Hardware.

As you may have noticed, there is pogo pins on the side of the Nexus 7. They were always assumed to accommodate a dock and with the leak we're now getting a look at said dock that has a microUSB charging port, a 3.5MM line out jack and is “perfectly-angled for better movie and photo viewing, browsing, and email.”  When can you get one? August 24th if the info is accurate for $50.

If you're not really feeling the current case offerings for the Nexus 7, no matter. There is apparently more on the way. A premium leather version of the official Nexus 7 cover is shown to be arriving August 31st for $39.99 in 4 different colors. That's all in addition to more color offerings for the original grey cover. If you want to see more, look below but of course given they are leaked documents, we'll have to wait and see what shows up when.

[Source: Android Central]

GUMDROP RELEASE MUCH ANTICIPATED IPAD 2 CAS

The Drop Series iPad 2 Case from Gumdrop specifically conforms to the shape of the Apple iPad 2 and offers multi-layer protection, making it one of the toughest and most durable cases on the market. The case features rigid plastic protection on the inside and shock absorbing rubber on the outside.

This iPad 2 case features a uniquely replaceable, snap-on integrated screen for maximum protection. This is no "peel-and-stick" membrane, but rather a durable sheet of touch-sensitive plastic that truly performs and protects.

"There are a lot of ruggedized cases coming to market for the iPad 2, but most of them look pretty clunky and are really hard to put together," says Tim Hickman, CEO of Gumdrop Cases. "We made sure we had a unique design and went a step further to include the world's first replaceable touch screen shield. If it gets scratched, you can pop in a new one without having to go buy a new case!"

The Drop Series  ruggedized case for the iPad 2 is designed to take a few knocks and prevent scratching while it's in your sack or while using it. Integrated port covers that stay firmly in place allow you safely take your iPad to the beach, on the trail, or even to a 4 year old's birthday party!