iPhone's Mighty Accessory

The one for all remote!

One of the reasons why I am still holding on to my Android phone is it's ability to change channel, control DVD's, Sky box sets, and even apple TV's. This is because of an old piece of technology that has been forgotten by most mobile manufacturers, specially apple, the infrared blaster.

It could be an aging human interface device but it is still the most common type of controlling the basic on and off operations of  almost all appliances, specially those we love the most, the entertainment equipment. Why did apple did not bothered to squeeze this in their devices when this is truly very useful specially when you want a controller for all of your entertainment package, which I am proud to say can do with my Note 3!

A company, however, might have been hoping to bring back the old zapper to mobile devices have come up to an idea that bridges the gap of inability to all mobiles and similar devices so that they can perform even just the basic on and off operation of our entertainment systems. It has introduced an accessory as a stand alone controller but also with a little twist, it can also be controlled by a mobile device through bluetooth.

One For All URC8810 Smart Remote Control Zapper for Smart Devices

The One For All Smart Zapper is a handy table top zapper for quick access to everyday functions such as changing channels and volume. And with the  free Nevo for your smartphone or tablet, it communicates with the Smart Zapper via Bluetooth and the Smart Zapper changes these commands into infrared for controlling all of your Audio and Video devices.

Setup is super easy, just download the NEVO App from App Store or |Google Play,  then pair it with your Tablet or Smartphone and start controlling your devices.


Compatibility

It works with Bluetooth Smart compatible iPhones, iPads, Android Phones and Tablets like;

Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 plus. Apple iPad 3, 4, Air and Mini.

Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5, Galaxy Note 2, 3. HTC One 2013 and 2014. Google Nexus 4 and 5. Motorola Droid Mini, Droid RAZR HD, Droid RAZR HD Maxx, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, Moto G and Moto X.

Requires Android 4.3 or higher.

Video

Buy it from

 From £24,  see more details..

The Controversial iPhone 5 Keyboard Case

The Typo apple keyboard is a dual purpose product. It serves as a case and as an attached keyboard for the apple mobile product. This makes your iPhone5 very similar to a blackberry phone, which is well known for an integrated QWERTY keyboard. Whether the iPhone will benefit with this comparison or not, it is obvious that users who usually use email or text messaging application will like this new product.

Physical keyboards are ideal when speed and accuracy is demanded. I myself is deterred to use  touch screens when doing some lengthy notes. Therefore I use laptops instead of tablets in emailing and other writing tasks.

Typo The Keyboard Case

Reserve here!

Compatibility

The device is compatible to the iPhone 5 series but unfortunately do not support the earlier versions. It is composed of two separate top and bottom plastic parts. The Typo is connected to the iPhone via bluetooth, and this means the phone should be on bluetooth mode to use the device. It has a separate power supply. And not like the iPhone 5 that has a lightning connector, the Typo uses a micro USB type charger.

The Feel

When in place, the home button is obscured with the physical keyboard but to compensate for that, there is a home button key in place at the bottom-right corner of the device. As typo keyboard is positioned just at the lower screen's opening of the phone, it could be impossible to swipe up from the bottom of the phone. This means the shortcut screen for airplane mode, wi-fi, bluetooth, screen rotation and so on is not accessible with the Typo on. Nevertheless these can still be accessed via settings.

The separate power pack of the device could last up to 14 days on one charging cycle. The backlit for the keys is also avaailable and it can be switched on and off to save even more battery. Unfortunately, the device can not be a source of secondary power to the iPhone.

Performance

Those who have tested the device noticed the responsiveness and lack of latency in terms of touch input. The overall built is of high quality. They even compare it as the same or better than other full sized bluetooth around. There is just a slight displease in the QWERTY first row level as it is slightly more flexible than the rest of the material. This makes the device less sturdy whilst typing specially from the top row letters.

Controversy

This became controversial when star like Ryan Seacrest is up in backing up for it's development. This is because he feel it's practical use as he usually carry two phones, one for calling and the other, with QWERTY, for messaging. And I am guessing he has his iPhone and blackberry together at the same time. 

This became more controversial when Blackberry filed a case against it over the design. As blackberry argued there is a copyright violation involved. 

Where to buy it?

At the moment, it is only available to pre-order by going to their site. And I would say that at this moment, it is pricey at $99 per piece. However, if there would be a restriction of it's sale because of the law case, then this is the best time to get one.

There are other bluetooth keyboard solutions, like the onebelow, that cost fraction of the price. But if you are desperate to turn your iPhone 5 into something like a blackberry clone then this case will do the job.  

See More
Alternative Product

Video

TYPO PRODUCTS - iPhone Keyboard Case from Typo on Vimeo.

Wirelessly Transfer Data From SD Card and USB Stick to iPhone and iPad Without Using Computer

Memory card and USB stick data storage are the easiest way to stow away digital files. They are the most convenient device to carry, because of their size, and they are universally accepted as a storage for almost all of electronic devices. Convenient as it is to use and store data from them, sometimes it is not when extracting or transferring data because you will need a reader, cable and a computer to make the transfer. Especially when you are planning to export data on apple mobile devices, you do need to install iTunes in addition, to view images and videos from the storage to an iphone or ipad.

For SD Card fed devices, there is a new breed of memory card that is available to address this shortcoming. It is called, Eye-Fi memory card. It transmits data through wi-fi, cutting the need for wires and computers to make a data transfer. Clever, but this device at this time, costs so much. And at the moment, there is no product that has a built in wifi on a USB stick.

Advert from eBay Partners: Eye-fi memory cards

An alternative solution is to transform memory card into wi-fi transfer capable. This means, an ordinary memory card  that you are using from a digital camera, mobile phone and other devices can transfer its data wirelessly using wi-fi, just like the eye-fi. As this is a host device, you can make any SD card wireless capable without necessary upgrading into an eye-fi. There is also a port that can accommodate USB stick that can make any USB storage into wi-fi capable storage.

APOTOP Wireless Card Reader

The Apotop Wi-Reader is 100% compatible with your iPad or iPhone without the need for iTunes.

The Wi-Reader is extremely compact and comes equipped with a embedded rechargeable battery without the need for an external power supply, making the Wi-Reader the ideal travel companion. It has a port for an SD Card, USB stick, RJ45, and another USB port for mains power. It is also simple to use. Just download the Wi-Reader app to your iPhone or iPad at the iTunes Store. Then connect your mobile or tablet device to the Apotop Wi-Reader wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Now you can click on the app from your device and your data will be available to view and play on your iPhone or iPad.

Advert from eBay Partners: Apotop Wi-Reader

Click and See Video On How It Works Below 

Interesting Gadget For the iPhone 4/ 4S/ and 5

What do you do with your iPhone aside from making phone calls, internet calls, and surfing the internet? Taking photos and recording video clips of everyday life would be one of the top things on what to do list! With the high spec built in camera hardware , it is tempting to use it. It's portability and accessibility makes it more enticing to use than a proper point and shoot cameras. Film enthusiasts, in fact, has been making movies using iPhone camera. And why not, the built in camera does not only take memories but takes it in high definition as well. Bundled with a stunning screen, it is also perfect for playback, and pleasurable to use to edit pictures and videos. 

Now the big question is, who wants to hold the iPhone when everyone wants to be in the picture? Who wants to press the button then everyone is playing their own role in the film? An improvised stand can help and the self timer function can be useful but this means the subject has no choice but to work around the iPhone's focus to get a decent shot. A dedicated camera man is what's missing, and that's you! Or maybe not.

Meet SWIVL, your  instant camera man. This is made primarily for iPhone 4/ 4S/ and 5. What it does is, it continuously tracks your movement and take your photo or video just like a dedicated camera man. Only that it doesn't get tired of following your every movement. In fact, it can track you at full 360 degrees horizontal rotation, and +10 degrees and -20 degrees vertically. This means you are always in the scene when you move around, as long as you are in it's 10 metre range tracking signal detection. It can be mounted in an ordinary tripod if you need more flexibility. And can be controlled with another iPhone.

See more details where to get SWIVL or click the photo to play the video on how it works.

The Specs

Audio and tracking compatible with iPhone 4 & 4S and iPod Touch (4th Gen)

Also compatible with iPhone 5, Android phones under 11mm deep and cameras using the tripod mount for tracking only

Designed for use without external cases

Swivl will work with most tripod mounted cameras under 175grams, (although you’ll lose some of the functionality)

Product Features:

Motion sensitive tracking - The base automatically follows the marker and you up to 33 feet (10 meters). It swivel’s 360 degrees horizontally and +10 / -20 degrees vertically when commanded from the Marker.

Tripod Compatible - In addition to iOS devices, it works with any tripod mountable pocket video camera, or point and shoot camera

Remote Control via iPhone

Multiple, flexible mounting options

iOS Digital Microphone - Capture high quality digital audio through a lossless wireless connection to the marker.

Sports and Standard Mode

iOS App Controlled - This App provides remote controls of video. Swivl can be customised for telepresence, monitoring, panoramics, time lapse and more.

Contents:

Swivl

Tripod accessory

Lanyard

Batteries

USB cable - for firmware updates

Battery Requirements:

Base requires 2x AA or an AC Adaptor - available as an accessory/li>

Wireless Marker requires 2x AAA batteries

Optional Accessories

The Base operates on 2x AA batteries and provides you with four hours of action capture. It also can be operated with a separate AC Adapter accessory, also available from Firebox.

Dimensions:

Base measures approximately 14cm(W) x 3.8cm(D) x 10.5cm(H)

Remote measures approximately 5cm(W) x 2cm(D) x 6.4cm(H)

This Season's Best iPhone 5 Deal

As the festive season is on, there's a price crash on the iPhone 5 and now is the time to get it, SIM free or on contract. Several online re sellers are even cheaper than buying it direct from apple, saving you something for that leather case or additional accessories. So here's the latest offers from selected retailers.

Contract

Carphonewarehouse

The most recommended offer with an attractive monthly bundle is £36/month for 24 months. This is provided by O2 network with unlimited voice calls to any network, unlimited text cross network, and 1GB of data. You do need to pay £25 upfront for the phone, but it is still the cheapest and most attractive offer so far that I can find online. Delivery is free or you can choose to collect it from the nearest Carphonewarehouse outlet from your location. The total cost for this deal is £889. 

You can choose between black or white unit.

Dialaphone

If you are looking for the lowest effective cost after 24 months then iPhone 5 from dialaphone is the best option. For £33 line rental a month plus £49 upfront payment, Vodafone iPhone 33 is the deal for you. This gives you 600 free minutes, unlimited texts and 500MB of data. It also includes 2GB of wi-fi data from vodafone network. The total cost after 2 years is £840.96

Pay as you go

When call budget is an issue, pay as you go is a suitable option. Carphonewarehouse has a wide selection of networks to choose from offering the iPhone 5. 

Why buy pay as you go? The phone comes with a nano sim card which is ready to use and depending on your choosen network, you can have free international calls, priority tickets, buy one take one cinema tickets, free calls to the same networks and so on. The tag price is £499.95 upfront plus a £10 top up, a total of £509.95. 

SIM Free

Apple store sells the 16GB iPhone 5 at £529 upfront. Carphonewarehouse sells this for £509.95, a saving of  at least £19 which you can use to buy for a protective case or another accessory. The good thing about SIM free is you can use any SIM card from any network from any country. And if you have an existing contract  an incompatible SIM card size, you can call your network to provide you with a nano SIM card.

Accessories

Carphonewarehouse offers further savings of up to 25% off on all apple accessories including iPhone 5. Essential accessory like screen protector and case are a must to keep your device in mint condition and protect it from accidents. See details below.

Now is the right time to get yourself a new iPhone 5 at a holiday season price. I am sure you wouldn't like to miss the price drop, so strike while the iron is still hot.

Accessorize your iphone 4s

No doubt iPhone variants are popular. Most phone accessories are made and focused to the iPhone users. Perhaps users like me are just familiar with the very obvious accessories there is, which are really necessary like the screen protectors, body cases, earphones and hands free kits. And there are accessories out there that users never noticed they ever existed and do not know what they are for, and if thinking if they'll ever be needing it. Here are some accessories I think can improve your iPhone experience.

1. Iphone power sleeve

This accessory is essentially a battery within a casing that doubles up as an iphone case. There are models of this product that are compatible with the iPhone 3 and 3GS or iPhone 4 and 4S. It is a useful piece of equipment especially when you are going somewhere where power grid is not available or when you do not want to bring cables with you. As it doubles up as a casing, it will also be protecting your phone from scratches and falls. When you can buy a fancy case, why not try this case doubled up as a battery tank? Surely will make you use your iPhone for longer.




2. Iphone bluetooth FM transmitter

Essential for every car owners. I am sure nobody wants to be fined up to £1000 and 3 points mark on his license while driving. But I am also sure the first natural thing for us to do when the phone rings is to pick it up and see who's calling, and eventually answer the other person at the other end. You are lucky when you are not caught first time, but what you've just did is illegal. So be road legal and install a bluetooth receiver with FM transmitter.

The way it works is, you need to pair your phone to the device through bluetooth, and set the device to transmit the received voice data from your phone to your FM radio through a certain frequency you'll select yourself, or just go to the existing lowest FM broadcast of the device at 88.1. Your car's FM radio should be tuned in into the frequency you've chosen to use your phone, for example with this post, at 88.1 FM.



3. Bluetooth receiver

I know this might be not essential because there are beautiful iphone docks available out there. But if you want to use your existing stereo without bluetooth capability to hear from music stored in your iPhone wirelessly, then this is the solution. If you are ok with wired connection, just buy 3.5mm male male connector.



4. Optical zoom lense

The iphone 4S has an 8 megapixel camera that can take clear photos. This is the reason why many users prefer this to take photos in everyday and random happenings rather than the full specs digital camera. The only problem is when the subject you want to focus on is far from you, like you are at the back when watching a play and you can not move forward.  The iphone 4S is equipped with a digital zoom function and it should be no problem. Only that digital zoom is inferior to optical zoom. Digital zoom is just like cropping the photo and the resolution is compromised or affected depending on how far you  "cropped" or how much you zoomed digitally. Optical zoom is a physical lense like that of the interchangeable DSLR's that can give you a crispier and sharper resolution than digital zoom.




5. TV output cable

There is no better way to share the contents of your phone other than to connect it to a bigger screen. Maybe to a bigger computer screen or a 40 inch TV. The later is my preference. There is a connector to do just this and it won't necessarily breaks the bank, like when you choose an apple TV. You can show your latest pictures and can even watch movies you've made or downloaded through this.



As you can see, there are many different ways to enjoy more your devices without spending a lot. Simple solutions that you thought complicated. The most important is, I am confident that any user can do this without any professional help. That's practicality!