By Todd Bernhard
I've been using Nomad cables for quite a while, because they last quite a while. Unlike the included Apple cables which always seem to fray at the ends, the Nomad cables are rugged, made with woven fabric and solid connectors. So I wasn't sure that they could be improved. But the new Kevlar-coated USB-C to Lightning Cables (starting at $39.95) show that they can indeed be improved.
By Todd Bernhard
I was looking forward to trying the Adonit Note stylus ($49.99) when Adonit sent me the unit, although at first it didn't work for me. It turns out I was using my 2017 iPad and such pens require the 2018 or newer iPad, or an iPad Pro. So I borrowed my daughter's newer iPad to test it, and I liked the Note so much, I upgraded my own iPad as well! There's something magical about drawing on glass and it takes me back to my original Apple Newton, but the iPad is much more elegant and responsive. It's great for natural note taking as well as drawing.
By Todd Bernhard
I have reviewed many car mounts over the years, and ever since Apple released phones with Qi-based wireless charging, the question was how to mount the phone so it could also charge, and still be able to quickly eject the phone when needed. Moshi sent me an early version of its SnapTo Magnetic Car Mount with Wireless Charging ($59.95) and I think the company is on the right track. Because Moshi is also a case maker, the comany has a special case that accepts optional "SnapTo" metal plates. Once inserted, and attached via 3M adhesive strips, they blend into the case but allow the phone to attach to a magnetic surface.
By Todd Bernhard
Apple has a history of bringing luxury to the masses. A luxury watch used to cost thousands of dollars, and sure, with specific materials and straps, an Apple Watch can extend into that price range, but the same watch with aluminum and a silicone strap is available to almost any potential customer. If you want the higher-end look for your less expensive Apple Watch, you can get it with the Hermes Style Leather Apple Watch Band ($34.99) from SupWatch , who gave me the band to try. The casual observer might not be able to tell it apart from the higher-end version.
By Todd Bernhard
For a long time, SteelSeries' Nimbus Wireless Controller ($49.95) has been the only game in town for gaming on the Apple TV. While Apple just announced plans to support PlayStation and Xbox controllers going forward, this was a good time to check out the Nimbus, which SteelSeries sent me to try.
By Todd Bernhard
I had already recommended the UD-CAM USB-C dock from Plugable, in part because it was so compact, so I wasn't sure what the advantage of the UD-CUBE ($79.95) would be until Plugable sent me a review unit. As small as the original model was, about the size of an Apple TV, this new model is even smaller. It's about the size of wedding ring jewelry box.
By Todd Bernhard
I found Cleer's over-ear headphones to be comfortable, so when the company sent me its Ally ($149) earbuds, I was expecting the same. Fortunately, in addition to three sizes of silicone ear tips, they also include three ear wing tips, dubbed Freebit wings, to heep the earbuds in place, regardless of your ear size and type, and they do a good job. The solid fit, combined with noise cancellation, helps block out sounds as well. They also look good and are sold in black or red.
By Todd Bernhard
Let's face it; while the iPhone is a great camera, the flash is only suitable for lighting up close objects. For serious videography and photography, you may want to check out the LitraTorch 2.0 ($89.95) which Litra sent me to check out. The LitraTorch 2.0 is a heavy duty 16-LED light that offers numerous mounting options, including Tripod, SLR cold shoe, and GoPro, plus a magnetic base that works with the included metal disc with adhesive backing. You could attach the disc to your iPhone case and then attach the LitraTorch magnetically when needed, Or use a separate tripod or action camera mount.
By Todd Bernhard
I love the juxtaposition of natural materials with the latest high-tech gadgetry. Veelink sent me their Bamboo Wireless Charger with Organizer ($27.99) and it's a great example of such a combination. At first glance, it looks like a natural wooden desk organizer, and it should because that's what it is. There's a slightly angled container with a wide opening to house pens, scissors, highlighters and more. But next to that container is an even more slanted stand to rest your iPhone on. But it doesn't just rest there, it charges your Qi-enabled smartphone, even in a case as thick as 5mm.
By Todd Bernhard
How many times do you find yourself without power and no outlet nearby? Well, if you're trekking in a sunny area, you have a nice and nice looking option. In fact, my daughter will be backpacking in South Africa this summer, so I was excited when I received the Solar Backpack ICONIC ($119.90) from SunnyBAG. It's a backpack with a solar panel built-in to the exterior.