Accessories

When it comes to powering our multiple devices, it seems there’s no end to the amount of cords and power outlets needed to keep all the batteries charged. Seeking a solution to this disorganization, I gave ChargeHub ($59.99) a try for myself after hearing that a box the size of a hockey puck could handle seven USB chargers at any given time. That means more than just my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, but also my Bluetooth headphones (one for sports, one for work), activity trackers, battery packs, and more can be charged. So, can ChargeHub really do it all?

I love it when a case maker shows off something I've never seen before. At CES, I saw the M-Edge Beast Case + Magnetic Armband ($49.99) and it was just such an example. First, this rugged iPhone 6s case hearkens back to the flip-phone with a dual hinged cover that opens and closes at the bottom. The cover folds all the way back and clips in place so it stays put. Or, it folds all the way in front to hide the screen and shuts using the same clip. It's a strong clip, which is good, but it might take some getting used to if a phone call comes in. Of course, you can always answer using a Bluetooth headset or Apple Watch.

Years ago, Apple made the bold decision to switch to a new cable design that offered some special features, most notably the ability to use the cable in any orientation. During those years, Android users and Apple users who own iPhone accessories with USB ports have had to make sure they plug in their devices in the right direction. Finally, WinnerGear offers a microUSB cable that is reversible. The MicFlip Reversible microUSB Cable ($19.99) comes in 3 or 6 foot lengths, with gold coating, a braided design, and aluminum accents.

The folks from Dog & Bone have expanded beyond cases and now offer the LockSmart ($89.95) Bluetooth-enabled padlock. I had the chance to see it at CES and try it at home. The LockSmart has some serious heft and should provide serious competition to traditional padlocks like MasterLock. Of course it has a "smart" advantage, namely the ability to unlock it using the free, simple, and easy to use app I liked that it is "shareable" so you can allow authorized users the ability to unlock it. It's not just for one person and their phone. And you can choose to unlock by Touch ID, tapping the icon or entering a passcode in the app.

For years now, many smartphone brands have sported some kind of inductive charging capability, so it's welcome news to hear that Apple is planning to bake some cable-free power technology into an upcoming iPhone; but of course, the Apple flavor will likely aim to one-up the current paradigms. Great news, but you can give Qi wireless charging your iPhone a go without the wait. The Maxfield M1 wireless charging pad ($47.49) and adapter ($23.99) brings Qi wireless charging to iPhone, and without the requirement of buying a weird or bulky case.

There are a lot of Bluetooth speakers out there, and even some of the best Bluetooth speakers look like they were designed by committee, so it was a relief to see a beautiful portable Bluetooth speaker from Braven. The LUX Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ($99.99) from Braven looks like a work of art. It sports a metallic-finish appearance with assorted speaker holes in geometric patterns. 

Much has been written about the next iPhones, both the high-end iPhone 7 and a rumored low-end iPhone 5se, but Apple's next product announcement could very well include updates to the iPad product line. The iPad Pro was introduced several months ago along with the Apple Pencil, but the iPad Air 2 didn't get any attention. Now, if rumors based on a Chinese case manufacturer are to be believed, there will be an iPad Air 3 with some of the features from the iPad Pro.