Summertime is just around the corner. That means it’s time to prepare for pool parties, camping and kayaking, or playing on the beach. Wherever you go, having a portable Bluetooth speaker is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy their music too. Inateck sent me its Mercury Box ($39.99) shower Bluetooth speaker to try out. The two most important features for me were portability and water resistance. So I put the Mercury Box to the test.
Accessories
Top Charging Cords That Are Virtually Indestructible
By Conner Carey
When you buy your iPhone, or other iDevice, a charging cord is included. However, it doesn’t take long before that cord begins to show some wear and tear. When it stops working altogether, you want to replace it with a cord that will last forever. More and more companies are coming out with iPhone charging cords that are virtually indestructible. And while you may spend a little more now on a new cord, you’ll save yourself money, and a lot of headaches, later on. Here are the top charging cords for iPhone that are virtually indestructible.
Top 5 iPad Cases & Sleeves Under $50
By Conner Carey
Once you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on an iPad, the last thing you want to do is spend another hundred on a case for it. Plus, there are lots of different models of iPad, and while the iPad Pro has garnered a lot of attention, most of us still use either an original iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Mini. So let’s take a look at some beautiful and functional iPad cases that come in sizes for most (if not all) models of iPad and stay under a solid $50 budget.
6 Glorious Cases for Any iPhone Model
By Conner Carey
There are plenty of people using iPhones that are multiple generations old. One reason is price; another reason is the device still works great, and unlike Android, you get all the latest software updates regardless. With that in mind, I wrote this post to include iPhone cases which would suit an iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, and iPhone SE (sorry iPhone 4). Websites such as Etsy and Caseify do a great job of carrying the same patterns and designs in various iPhone models. So, whether you have an iPhone 5 or an iPhone 6s, here’s six glorious iPhone cases for any model of iPhone.
Unlock Your Imagination with Sony’s MESH Tags
By Conner Carey
Every year, iPhone Life team members visit CES in Las Vegas to see the latest and greatest in consumer electronics. And each year, we give awards to the companies whose products amaze us, peak our interest, and generally improve life with technology. One of our 2016 awards went to MESH Tags ($49.99) by Sony. What you can do with MESH tags is too limiting a question; it would be easier to ask what can’t you do. The possibilities are truly endless, but let’s take a look at the seven different tags available and how you might benefit from each.
5 Stellar iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Accessories
By Conner Carey
I’ve really enjoyed seeing more and more amazing accessories for the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil come to market. People are looking at this awesome device and saying, “You know what, I have an idea of how to make it even better.” That’s the kind of iPad Pro accessories I look for: items that will either take your creativity and productivity to the next level or make the journey there as smooth as possible. Here are five of my favorite iPad Pro accessories I’m seeing now, and for more, check out my past Top iPad Pro gear roundup.
Roundup: 3 Multi-platform Headphones for Superior Gaming Experiences
By Daniel Rasmus
After visiting E3 and PAX in 2015, I have received a few headsets to look at. These gaming headsets work on PCs as well as mobile devices. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using them on an iOS device.
Dog & Bone Wetsuit Impact: Superior Rugged and Waterproof iPhone Cases for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
By Dig Om
I recently had an opportunity to try out the newest rugged waterproof case from Dog & Bone; the Wetsuit Impact, and I have to say, it's one of the best waterproof cases I've ever had the pleasure of testing. It is a remarkably well designed iPhone case, with a great deal of attention paid to every little detail. Not only does the Wetsuit Impact (Starting at $79.95) provide some of the best, most reliable protection of any waterproof, heavy-duty case on the market, it also looks fabulous and fashionable while doing so. It sports a svelte form-factor with advanced technical design elements that elevate the status of this case to one of the premier cases of its class.
Unless you’ve been meditating in a cave, you’re likely aware that fitness trackers and wearables are taking the tech world by storm. From Fitbit to Apple Watch and beyond, from wristbands to sport bras - everything can be ‘smart’ these days. Yet, Jabra has its own solution with the Sport Pulse ($199.99) wireless Bluetooth earbuds that can track your heartbeat. That means no guessing whether or not you’re in your heart rate range for an optimal workout. Needless to say, I was excited to give them a try.
Review: Luxurious Wireless Headphones at a Surprisingly Low Price
By Todd Bernhard
Satechi makes a broad range of accessories that really complement the life of an Apple user. It makes remote controls, mouse pads, charging stations, and more that all fit in nicely with Apple's use of aluminum and attention to even the smallest of details. And since Apple bought the somewhat garish Beats to use as its headphone line, Satechi makes headphones that are now more Apple than Apple! Case in point, the Aluminum Wireless Headphones ($69.99). Available in gold, space grey, and silver, they would look right at home in an Apple Store. The only thing non-Apple about them is the low price, about $70 for Bluetooth wireless headphones.
Kickstarter: Personalize Your Apple Watch Band with iPops
By Todd Bernhard
Apple has released a plethora of Apple Watch bands to let users give their Apple Watch a personal touch, but a low-cost option dubbed iPops goes even further. You insert an iPop into one of the holes in your Apple Watch band and have your own Pandora-style bracelet that tells a story. iPops are like emojis that you wear.
8 Gorgeous iPhone 6/6s Cases for Any Personality
By Conner Carey
We choose our iPhone cases for different reasons. Whether you want something to protect your phone from elements or show off your personality, we all have preferences. Currently, I’m keeping it classy with a case that doubles as my wallet, and let me tell you, it is convenient. But before that, my favorite cases were always ones with beautiful designs that either inspire me or make me laugh. With all the thousands of options on the market, it’s not always easy to narrow in on the case for you. So, here’s a list of eight awesome and beautiful cases for the iPhone 6/6s to fit (nearly) any personality.
Beautiful Apple Watch Bands for Under $50
By Conner Carey
You’ve already spent a pretty penny on the Apple Watch, but you want to buy a different wristband too. The sport band that comes with the Apple Watch sport edition is great and easy to put on, but it’s missing the classic, minimalist style I so cherish. Yet, both Apple and third-party watch bands tend to be around $75 on the low-end and can reach over $250: you’ve got to be kidding. That’s why I set out to build a list of beautiful, classy, and/or radical Apple Watch bands you can buy for under $50.
5 Gorgeous Apple Accessories You’ll Only Find on Etsy
By Conner Carey
Etsy has made it far easier for small businesses and local craftsman to promote and sell their handmade or vintage goods. The large online store has categories with everything from knitting needles to wedding dresses. But when we’re looking for tech accessories, it’s easy to forget about the website of amazing crafts. Meanwhile, the options available on Etsy are endless and certainly deserve a look. Here’s five gorgeous and/or useful Apple accessories you can only find on Etsy.