Twig: the most versatile iPhone charging cord/tripod hits Kickstarter

Élyse Betters | May 29 2012 - 2:57 pm PT

Apple’s medium-length, white docking cable is widely known for its, how would one say, cumbersome functionality when attached to iDevices.

It comes in every iPhone, iPad, iWhatever box, and it is in desperate need of an update. Sure, reports show the next iPhone will sport a mini-dock connector, so maybe a new charging solution is already around the corner. But, in the meantime, third-party firms are thankfully developing interesting alternatives. Twig, for instance, is a newly launched Kickstarter project that certainly caught our eye.

Jason Hilbourne created a docking cable—err thing—that lacks a cord, can fit into a pocket, bends like Gumby, and sports a variety of color options. No tangle, no mess, and no headache. Oh, and the best part is that this little doohickey also doubles as a tripod. Go watch the video on the Kickstarter page to see how Hilbourne developed the product before deciding upon the last iteration. Those who are interested can get Twig at the $18 contribution level.

In related Kickstarter/docking cable news, Dave Hakkens has developed the Plugbook. Yes, it is in the shape of a book, so it can hide between other books. However, 10 feet of cable hides inside. Interesting, eh?

Users can hook it up to any power socket to help with jobs that need a little extra cord. This is specifically Apple-centric because it houses two USB slots. It also features a reset switch and an auto-rewind button for that lengthy cord. So, lets recap: This is a book-shaped box that comes in a variety of colors, spits out and recoils an extension cord, and provides options to charge an iOS device. On top of that, it disguises itself on a bookshelf. Yeah, if you want this thingamabob now, visit its Kickstarter page, watch the introduction video, and pledge the $20 contribution level.