I guess that G-Form, makers of the super tough Extreme Edge iPad case (among other things), are trying to recreate some of the marketing magic that Blendtec had going with its Will It Blend series. They’ve produced a series of videos putting the iPad through seemingly increasingly horrifying torture tests, from dropping a bowling ball onto it to tossing it out of a moving car. The latest such video has them tie the iPad with case to a weather balloon and letting it rise to the edge of space. 100,000 feet or so. Then the balloon pops and everything comes back down. Of course, since they’re releasing the video, the iPad survives.
I’m not sure this particular video is that compelling a case for the Extreme Edge’s toughness; the entire freefalling setup would hit terminal velocity way before the 100,000 had been exhausted. Also, the trailing shreds of balloon made it so that it landed screen facing up; the other way around would have produced very different results. Still, it’s entertaining to watch. The case itself is $45.
So you like yourself a little gator, huh? That Smart Cover nonsense for the iPad 2 was just too corporate chic for you, so you need something that speaks to the Crocodile Dundee in ya. Yeah, we got you covered, hermano. This here fake alligator skin cover fastens with an elastic band. Doesn’t sound too fancy until you realize that it wakes the iPad 2 from sleep when opened and does the opposite when closed. There doesn’t seem to be no magnet magic like a Smart Cover, but there ain’t no need for that as you’ll be slipping the tablet inside of this thing, friend. There’s even a peephole for that Apple to shine through.
Continuing the time tested tradition of dipping ordinary objects in gold for the sake of justifying higher prices, Crystal Rocked presents us with these iPad 2 cases. We’re not entirely sure if “dipping in gold” means gold plated, or if we’re talking molten gold manufacturing here. The company’s website is down at the time of writing, but at current gold prices we suspect that a mere $617 for both the white and yellow gold version point to a plating process. Beneath the layer of gold is a sturdy aluminum frame and of course, all buttons are accessible. Oh and there’s a handle.
There are now two “security flaws” with iDevices. The quotation marks are there because one is real, the other isn’t. First about the one that isn’t real. You can make calendar appointments, email and text through Siri on an iPhone 4S even when it’s locked. This is not a security flaw, it’s a feature. You don’t like that feature, you can turn it off through the settings. The entire point of Siri is to not have to access your phone while it’s locked! Anyway, now onto the real security flaw and this one is on the iPad 2. Uncovered by 9to5Mac.com, the flaw is explained in the video above. If you can’t access it for some reason, here’s how it works.
When on the lock screen press the standby button until you see the red slider for powering off the device. At that point, close the Smart Cover and take it off again. Press cancel… and you’re in! Now you don’t have complete access to the iPad 2, only the last screen before going on standby. If that happens to be the main menu, you can scroll applications but you can’t launch them. The problem is if you were in the middle of an email, or browsing something private, then that will show. This is a big issue.
Of course the word will eventually spread and the gap closed in a software update, but until then here’s a little fix. Go to Settings in the General tab and disable Smart Cover Unlocking. That should do it until a fix is out.
I’m still not convinced the iPad is quite large enough to be used by more than a couple people at one time. But clearly I’m in the minority, as Discovery Bay Games has released another ‘appcessory’ that turns the iPad into a multiplayer quiz game. Available now for ~$40, the game comes with a set of 4 wireless poppers (and a base station) that lets players buzz in to answer or participate in a series of games or quizzes. At the moment there are 3 titles to choose from: Guesstimation – Duo, Highlights Hidden Pictures Countdown, and Saturday Night Live – The Game, all available for free from the iTunes App Store. I’m assuming more titles are enroute as well, but to extend their replay value each game also has additional content available as an in-app purchase.
I’m sure there’s some kind of fiscal deterrent to creating an officially licensed Star Wars product (Lucasfilm probably gets a cut) but thankfully the films are so iconic you can tip toe around a license if you’re careful. Like what ClamCase has done with their limited edition THE TROOPER case which happens to be the first design in their INSPIRED SERIES.
If you’re unfamiliar with the product, the ClamCase is an over-the-top iPad case that basically turns your tablet into a makeshift laptop. Your iPad 2 sits in the top half of the case serving as the display, while the bottom half features a full QWERTY keyboard (with 14 extra function keys) connected via Bluetooth. This particular version also has “…a black hinge, keyboard, base and ergonomic rubber feet, providing an intergalactic contrast with the imperial white protective case.” It certainly helps make the iPad more useful for productivity than just media consumption, but for $149 you’re probably better off just getting a compact laptop.
The problem with minimalist design aesthetics is that you often pay for what you don’t get. Case in point, this sleek iDevice dock/table lamp known as the Flos. Designed by Philippe Starck with Eugene Quitllet, just above a downward pointing array of LED lights is a dock connector and support that lets you both prop up and sync/charge your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. And the only thing more minimal than its design is its feature list. You can’t adjust the angle of your device, nor can you dock it in a landscape orientation. And you’ll pay ~$409(£253) for the privilege of not being able to do so.
While not necessarily ideal for every situation (what if you wanted to play a motion controlled game while charging?) Bluelounge’s new MiniDock is a simple solution if you’ve ever had to (worriedly) leave your iPhone or iPod sitting on the floor while taking advantage of an available outlet.
It replaces the USB <-> dock connector cable with a miniature docking cradle that perches your iDevice right next to the outlet. Not only does it keep it off the ground where it can get stepped on, or off a desk where it could fall, but it also allows for hands-free usage in certain situations. Like say when used above a kitchen counter for listening to music, or watching recipe videos, while cooking. And it’s available in US, UK and EU versions, for just $19.95.
When you inevitably get tired of holding your iPad while watching a movie, iLuv will come to the rescue with their new iMM514 ArtStation Pro ‘dock’ which turns your tablet into a miniature home theater. The iPad itself attaches to an articulated, swivelling arm ensuring it’s always positioned at the optimal angle. And it can be switched between landscape and portrait orientations for watching videos, or browsing a website.
The ArtStation Pro’s hefty base also incorporates what looks to be a generously sized speaker, if you prefer to use it as just a stereo. And an included wireless remote provides rudimentary functions like skipping tracks or adjusting the volume, while magnetically sticking to the back of the unit so it doesn’t go MIA when not in use. It’s also compatible with iPhones and iPod Touches, though it seems a little oversized to be used with those smaller devices. Available in August for $169.99.
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