By Todd Bernhard
I had the opportunity to try Coolest Cooler ($249–399.99). Coolest gave me the accessory to try, just in time for tailgate season. The more I use the Coolest Cooler, the more impressed I am. Naturally, it's a rock-solid cooler and it keeps your drinks (and ice) cold... in fact it can hold 600 pounds and keep ice cold for four to five days! But the other features are where it really shines.
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Lynktec sent me their brand new Bolt Smart Car Mount & Qi Wireless Charger ($49.99.) I've reviewed several such products and they always fall short in one area or another. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the attention to detail in the Bolt.
By Todd Bernhard
I had the opportunity to try the updated BEDDI Glow SE ($79.99) from WITTI. I reviewed the original model, and was happy when WITTI sent me the newer version. This one has a compact footprint and battery backup, two valuable enhancements for nightstand use, which is how I used my original BEDDI for years. You can set multiple alarms on different days, such as a weekday alarm for work or school and a weekend alarm that's a little later.
By Todd Bernhard
Soul sent me its Run Free Pro Bio ($149.99) wireless earbuds to try. I was skeptical because they are priced around the same as Apple's AirPods, so I figured they had to have some advantages over Apple. I was right, the Run Free Pro Bio earbuds have a bunch of distinctive and interesting features that runners should find appealing.
By Todd Bernhard
I recently reviewed a number of iPhone accessories from Moshi, so I was surprised when the company sent me another item just a few days later. It looks like Moshi was working on something that improves upon the items I just reviewed. The Porto Q 5K Portable Battery with Built-in Wireless Charger ($84.95) has a nice fabric and rubber surface like their previous wireless Qi charger, but this has some welcome enhancements.
By Todd Bernhard
At the 2018 CES show, I spent some time chatting with the fine folks at Energrid. I'm interested in accessibility because I've designed apps for and used by blind and low-vision users. Energrid also develops products that help the visually impaired; and in fact, everybody can benefit from the VS150X Power Bank ($75).
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Moshi sent me their new Otto Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($39.95) to review. I've used products from them in the past and they are always beautiful and make use of nice fabrics. This latest item is just as nice, but it also has added functionality I haven't seen in many competing offerings.
By Todd Bernhard
Sometimes an accessory shows up at iPhone Life that doesn't meet any particular need; but once you see it, you have to have it. Technically, you don't need the Nanoleaf Light Panels - Rhythm Edition (starting at $229.99), but they are so cool that you will want to play with them all day. And you could, since the programmable light panels can be arranged in dozens of patterns and then each panel can be illuminated in assorted colors and animated. Plus, if you add the Rhythm sensor, the panels can respond to music and light up accordingly.
By Todd Bernhard
It's time to start thinking about the holidays! This year, instead of boring tree lights or holiday lights that just turn on or off, check out the Smart LED String Lights (starting at $103.96) from Twinkly. They work on your tree, or anywhere, and can display colorful lights and moving patterns thanks to an easy to use smartphone app.
By Todd Bernhard
If you just emptied your piggybank to buy a new iPhone, you may not have a lot left over. But more than ever, you need to protect that investment. Fortunately, X-Doria has a lot of reasonably priced options with its Ultra, Shield and Lux line of iPhone Cases (starting at $29.99). I've used them with previous phones and had complements.