By Todd Bernhard
The box that the Viotek FastPad ($34.95) ships in doesn't do it justice. While the box is the size of a box for a large iPhone 8 Plus, what's inside is remarkably small and thin. The FastPad is a Qi charger but it's smaller and thinner than any others out there. Despite its small size, the FastPad delivers fast wireless charging, making it the ideal charging pad when you need a quick charge.
By Todd Bernhard
I had the opportunity to serve as a judge at IHS Markit Innovation Awards during ShowStoppers at CES in Las Vegas this past January. The product that I and the other judges voted for was the X5 Car Charger ($24.99) from RapidX. It's a simple concept, but well-executed.
By Todd Bernhard
I have room-darkening shades at home, but I still need to use a sleep mask many times to block out all the light. My daughter also likes to fall asleep to music, and she has broken many high-end headphones (and even an iPad) in the process. Fortunately for people like us, 1 Voice has a number of products to help, including the Sleep Headphones Eye Mask ($49–$59).
By Todd Bernhard
It's hard to get excited about a Lightning cable. Apple includes one with its compatible devices, although it's easily frayed, and third parties sell versions for about $10. So why pay more for the Vinpok Duo 2 ($24.99)? Because the Vinpok Duo 2 has a number of features the others don't including one special secret.
By Todd Bernhard
Whether you can play a musical instrument or not, if you want to make cool music, check out the ROLI Lightpad Block M ($199.95). The pocket-sized block connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and several free companion apps, and allows the user to play sounds and create original music using the touchpad. Hundreds of sounds are included and you can subscribe to ROLI's Melodics service for more.
By Todd Bernhard
If you want the always-accessible videocam capabilities of Snap Spectacles without looking like a spectacle yourself, there's the PogoCam ($99) from PogoTec. It connects magnetically to special PogoTec sunglasses, or almost any set of glasses using PogoTec's add-on attachments. Instead of a dedicated and obtrusive set of sunglasses, the PogoCam attaches to your own glasses, even prescription glasses.
By Todd Bernhard
I'm a big fan of Qi-based wireless charging. I skipped purchasing the iPhone 7, but when the iPhone 8 and X came out, I not only upgraded, I upgraded my whole family to the new models, so we can just use wireless chargers spread throughout the house. But what about in the car? Scosche has an answer with the StuckUp Qi ($49.99).
By Todd Bernhard
I've been using and recommending the Olloclip lenses for years, but its latest kit is a welcome enhancement. Olloclip was the first to offer smartphone add-on lenses including Fisheye, Macro, Super-Wide, Telephoto, and Ultra-Wide. Olloclip's new offering is the Filmer's Kit ($199.99) which includes all of those lenses, plus a really cool next-generation selfie stick, uses the Olloclip Connect Lens System to clamp on to an iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, or 8 Plus. What's more, the kit is packaged in a form-fitting zippered ballistic nylon case courtesy of Incase.
By Todd Bernhard
If you like PopSockets but wish there was a larger version for iPads and other tablets, there is good news from Safetray Products. The G-Hold iPad Holder ($29.95) is similar to a PopSocket, but it is larger and it can be more easily repositioned because it uses Micro Suction not adhesive. Safetray, as its name suggests, is known for similar adapters to help waitstaff keep a grip on serving trays; so this is right up the company's alley.
By Todd Bernhard
I've heard about Matias keyboards, but I first had the opportunity to try the Matias Backlit Wired Aluminum Keyboard ($99) at 2018 CES in Las Vegas, and later had more time to work with a review unit. In fact, I'm typing this review on one right now. It has keys similar to Apple's "chicklet" style keyboards but the Matias versions have some advantages.