case

Review
February 23, 2011
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Keyboard Buddy case transforms your iPhone 4 into an iPhone Pro

By on February 23, 2011 at 2:00 PM.

Keyboard Buddy case transforms your iPhone 4 into an iPhone Pro

Here at BGR, we constantly get emails from readers looking for help with their gadget buying decisions. While I wish we had time to address each of our readers individually, this unfortunately isn’t the case. One of the more common lines of questioning comes from readers wanting to switch from BlackBerry smartphones to the iPhone, and today I’m going to pose a solution they may find useful. To this group of readers, the idea of moving from RIM’s amazing physical keypad to a device that only offers a virtual keyboard is often the biggest hurdle. We like to think we know a thing or two about cell phones here at BGR, but of course we can’t presume to know how each of our readers might fare when moving from a physical to virtual keyboard. What we do know, however, is that there are options out there that might help make the transition as smooth as possible — and one such option is the Keyboard Buddy case from Boxwave. More →

35 Comments
Accessories
January 26, 2011
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Next-gen Apple Peel adds voice and data to iPod touch, looks like iPhone 4 [video]

By on January 26, 2011 at 4:15 AM.

Next-gen Apple Peel adds voice and data to iPod touch, looks like iPhone 4 [video]

Like Sprint’s ZTE Peel iPod touch case, the Apple Peel 520 gives Apple’s iPod touch the ability to connect to a cellular data network. Unlike the ZTE Peel, the Apple Peel also allows users to send and receive voice calls and SMS from an iPod touch. In other works, the Apple Peel picks up where Sprint’s iPod case left off. It looks like Yoison, the company behind the Apple Peel, is already working on a next-generation Peel that brings several additions to the table. The most apparent change is a redesigned case that makes the iPod touch look like an iPhone 4. Other changes include added support for Apple’s fourth-generation iPod touch (the current Apple Peel 520 supports the third-generation model), and GPRS data support in addition to EDGE. Unfortunately, however, it looks like 3G is still off limits. Yoison has not yet made any announcements with regard to pricing or availability. Hit the break for a video of the new model in action. More →

11 Comments
CES
January 5, 2011
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Aluminium iPad 2 mockup surfaces at CES

By on January 5, 2011 at 9:21 AM.

Aluminium iPad 2 mockup surfaces at CES

What’s this? It looks like the gang over at Engadget have played a game of I Spy with and aluminum mockup of Apple’s second-generation iPad, the iPad 2. The owner of the aluminum slug is case maker Dexim, who is at CES showing off a new case for the next iPad that incorporates a Bluetooth keyboard. It is unclear whether the milled body-double was provided by Apple or machined by Dexim, but it does seem to confirm several of the rumors we’ve been hearing. The pictured mockup, and case, have a space for both a rear and front-facing camera, rear speaker-grill on the device’s lower right, and tapered edges (similar to those on the iPod touch). Dexim says the next iPad will be slightly thinner than the current model with the volume rocker and mute switch retaining the same positions. Have a look for yourself and let us know what you think. More →

7 Comments
Business
December 27, 2010
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Softbank releasing NFC mobile payment stickers for iPhone 4

By on December 27, 2010 at 11:39 AM.

Softbank releasing NFC mobile payment stickers for iPhone 4

With near field communication technology shaping up to be the number one new feature on handsets and mobile devices starting next year, a Japanese carrier is already planning on releasing limited NFC functionality to the iPhone 4. Softbank is set to debut a NFC sticker or “seal” which will cover almost the entire rear of the device without preventing the use of Apple’s Bumper cases. While the NFC sticker doesn’t appear to interact with the iPhone in any way, it will reportedly allow iPhone 4 users in Japan to interact with some of the most common mobile payment solutions. The NFC sticker is made of polyurethane, is 0.5 ounces in weight, and should be available for $36 starting in February from Softbank in Japan.

[Via MacRumors] More →

9 Comments
Tablets
November 29, 2010
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Louis Vuitton Apple iPad case hands-on

By on November 29, 2010 at 12:31 PM.

Louis Vuitton Apple iPad case hands-on

Well, well, well… it’s finally here. In limited quantities, perhaps, but that’s beside the point. Originally set to be released in 2011, Louis Vuitton has started to ship its Monogram and Damier Graphite iPad cases to select stores. If you own or have ever seen a Louis Vuitton iPhone case, this one isn’t too much different — it’s larger, of course, and a little more luxurious. The case is assembled by stitching the canvas on the outside which provides a perfectly neat seam on the inside for your iPad to sit in. The case on the inside is lined with classic Louis microfiber to protect, and even wipe your device each time you pull it out or slide it in. There is also of course a notch on the end to help grab the iPad as you remove it from the case. We’ll get a better sense for how the case slowly adapts to the shape of the iPad over time, but for now, the fit is snug without being overly tight, though the curved iPad case leaves some room towards the outer opening of the case which isn’t completely ideal. If you’ve been looking for a high end case to carry your iPad in, and the Gucci or even Chanel ones won’t do, we’d say this is a pretty solid choice. The Louis Vuitton iPad case sells for $340.

54 Comments
Accessories
November 10, 2010
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Sprint officially announces ZTE Peel iPod touch case

By on November 10, 2010 at 10:20 AM.

Sprint officially announces ZTE Peel iPod touch case

Today, via a press release, Sprint officially announced its ZTE Peel iPod touch mobile-hotspot case. The iPod accessory, which will be available November 14th, will retail for $79.99 and will fit second and third generation iPod touch devices. Sprint will offer a $30, month-to-month hotspot plan for the Peel that will include a 1GB data allowance. The Wi-Fi case will support WEP 64-bit encryption, has a 3-hour run-time, and is comparable with Windows 7, Vista, and XP as well as Mac OS 10.5 and 10.6. The announcement mirrors information we broke about the Peel last week and on Monday. Hit the jump for the full press release. More →

19 Comments
mobile
November 4, 2010
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WSJ: International Trade Commision will side with Nokia in Apple patent case

By on November 4, 2010 at 12:04 AM.

WSJ: International Trade Commision will side with Nokia in Apple patent case

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that International Trade Commission (ITC) staffers, in a pre-hearing statement, noted that evidence in a pending patent-case Apple launched against Nokia will “not establish a violation.” Nokia and Apple have been exchanging legal blows since October of 2009; both companies have filed multiple complaints with the ITC in an attempt to get the competition’s importing rights banned.

“The ITC staff said on Monday that some of the Apple patents were invalid and others weren’t infringed,” writes the WSJ. “The statement said that if a judge determines Nokia violated patents, he should ban some Nokia phones from being imported into the U.S.”

The judge is expected to render a final decision in February. More →

15 Comments
Accessories
November 3, 2010
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BGR Giveaway: Bioserie iPhone 4 cases

By on November 3, 2010 at 5:19 PM.

BGR Giveaway: Bioserie iPhone 4 cases

Apple has officially ended their iPhone 4 Case Program, but we know some of you still want — nay need — a case for your shiny, attenuating, iDevice. The folks at bioserie were kind enough to send us four, bioplastic, iPhone 4 cases to give away to you, our beloved readers. The skinny on the eco-friendly case is this: it’s made from plants, not petrochemicals, it’s light, weighing in at only 12 grams, and it will help cover that “sweet spot” on your iPhone 4 that makes your signal meter jump around like a Jack Russell terrier when touched. How do I win one of the cases you ask? It’s simple:

1. Follow us on Twitter and give our Facebook page a “like” (yes, both).
2. Leave a comment on this post (make sure you register your comment with your actual email address as this is how we’ll contact you).
3. That’s it!

The contest will run until Friday, November 5 at 11:59PM ET. Multiple entries will disqualify you and we’ll contact the winners via email on Monday November 8th. We have cases in red, light green, dark green, and orange; be sure to leave a color preference in your comment if you have one. Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to Adam, Kemal, Omar, and Ricky… our bioserie case winners!

115 Comments
General
September 10, 2010
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Apple terminating free case program September 30

By on September 10, 2010 at 3:12 PM.

Apple terminating free case program September 30

This afternoon, on Apple’s official iPhone 4 Case Program website, the company released the following statement:

We now know that the iPhone 4 antenna attenuation issue is even smaller than we originally thought. A small percentage of iPhone 4 users need a case, and we want to continue providing them a Bumper case for free. For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after September 30, 2010. We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after September 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case.

There has been no official word on whether or not the Cupertino company has made any internal adjustments to the iPhone 4′s antenna design.  More →

70 Comments
Rumor
August 31, 2010
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New iPhone 4 antenna design due at the end of September, addresses attenuation?

By on August 31, 2010 at 12:52 PM.

New iPhone 4 antenna design due at the end of September, addresses attenuation?

Mexican technology site canal-mx is reporting that Apple will be reengineering its iPhone 4 antenna design and that the redesigned handsets will be available after September 30th. The news comes courtesy of Marco Quatorze, Tecel’s Director of Value Added Services. Telcel recently began offering the iPhone 4 to its customers and Mr. Quatorze was on the record when he explained that his company would have the same version of the iPhone 4 that is sold in the U.S.; complete with antenna attenuation issues. He noted that Telcel’s customers would be eligible for a free case until September 30. Quatorze then stated that after the 30th a new revision of the iPhone 4, with some sort of internal antenna fix, would be made available by Apple. The news, if true, certainly will rekindle the antenna-gate talks, lawsuits, and comment flame wars that — to be totally honest — we haven’t really missed all that much. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment and will update the article if we receive a response.

[Via MacRumors] More →

154 Comments
Rumor
August 5, 2010
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Fourth generation iPod Touch case images leak?

By on August 5, 2010 at 8:40 AM.

Fourth generation iPod Touch case images leak?

It looks like images of the fourth generation iPod Touch have been spotted on the internet, thanks in part to an accessories manufacturer. Hardmac.com has images of what looks to be a new iPT complete with an updated camera and LED flash. While the front of the device looks the same, and is in all likelihood Photoshoped, the back of the device is beveled like the current iPod Touch and has the camera/flash located in the upper left hand corner of the device (like the iPhone). The black plastic patch through which the Wi-Fi antenna signal used to escape is also absent (insert attenuation joke here). Doesn’t seem consistent with apples unibody, flat-top-and-bottom, non-rounded edges look they’ve been gravitating towards… but it doesn’t look too far out there. Have a look at the images and let us know what you think.

[Via SlashGear] More →

48 Comments
mobile
July 29, 2010
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Motorola DROID 2 user guide leaks, cases spotted

By on July 29, 2010 at 3:12 PM.

Motorola DROID 2 user guide leaks, cases spotted

Man, how much longer can Motorola and Verizon Wireless try and keep the lid on the DROID 2? Earlier today, Droid-Life obtained a user guide for the yet-to-be-released DROID 2 as well as an image of DROID 2 cases on sale at Best Buy. The user guide reveals that the device will have Motorola’s UI enhancements — same as the DROID X — and will in all likelihood be launching with Android 2.2; as opposed to Android 2.1. We’ve heard August 3rd tossed around as a potential launch date (Verizon likes to launch handsets on Tuesdays). Come on Verizon, kick the flood gates open already! More →

35 Comments
Humor
July 28, 2010
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Motorola takes another swipe at iPhone 4, 'no jacket required' for DROID X

By on July 28, 2010 at 1:48 PM.

Motorola takes another swipe at iPhone 4, 'no jacket required' for DROID X

Advertising wars are so much fun! Late yesterday, Motorola took another swipe at smartphone rival Apple, capitalizing on the free-case fiasco of the iPhone 4. In a Facebook post, the company displayed a poster that read:

At Motorola, we believe a customer shouldn’t have to dress up their phone for it to work properly.  That’s why the DROID X comes with a dual antenna design.  The kind that allows you to hold the phone any way you like to make crystal clear calls without a bulky phone jacket.  For us it’s just one of those things that comes as a given when you’ve been making mobile phones for over 30 years.

Burn. The first ad Motorola put out was a little tongue and cheek, however this one is a sharp stick to the eye… a very funny sharp stick to the eye. We’ve got the full-sized image after the bounce.

[Via Droid-Life] More →

164 Comments