With the iPhone SE behind us, those that didn’t jump on the new 4-inch iPhone are now looking to the fall when Apple is expected to introduce its true next-generation smartphone with the iPhone 7. Or at least that’s what we’re calling it until things become official, and from the sounds of the latest rumors and reports, there’s a lot more up in the air than just the device’s name when it comes to new features, design changes, and more.
Lifeproof announced today that a new version of its highly durable, low profile NUUD case for iPhone is on the way. The Lifeproof NUUD for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is available for pre-order from today.
We’re still a while away from the launch of the iPhone 7, but rumors have been running rampant recently concerning the design and features of Apple’s next flagship device. Fast Company has now published a new report in which it corroborates many earlier rumors regarding the iPhone 7, as well as offering up a few more details and tidbits.
Two new reports today from publications with mixed track records claim to share details of Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup including the much rumored 4-inch iPhone “6c” and plans for the company to bring waterproofing and other new hardware features to future iPhone models. Expand Expanding Close
While Apple didn’t make any claims about water-resistance when it launched the iPhone 6s/Plus, submersion tests showed that the company has clearly been working hard in this area – with the new phones still working after a full hour underwater. But water will always get in through ports like the Lightning and headphone sockets, and a new patent application by Apple suggests that it may have a way to fix this …
[Update 10/23: Lifeproof FRĒ Power case for iPhone 6s now available for pre-order in black for $129.99 — est. in stock on November 6th.]
Keeping your brand new iPhone in pristine condition from day 1 to day 365 is easily the best way to ensure it holds the most value when it comes time to resell it, and Lifeproof’s popular FRĒ WaterProof series for iPhones is known to successfully protect your shiny new hardware from the elements.
And typically cases made for iPhone designs introduced in even years (2008, 2010, 2012) continue to work without exception on new models introduced in odd years (iPhone 3G to 3GS, iPhone 4 to 4S, iPhone 5 to 5s), but the stronger aluminum body and pressure sensitive touch display used on this year’s iPhone models means some close fit cases for iPhone 6 won’t be compatible with iPhone 6s.
That’s the case with the very precise FRĒ WaterProof case. To remedy the iPhone 6 version’s incompatibility on this year’s iPhone models, Lifeproof has redesigned its FRĒ WaterProof series with new dimensions that fit both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s.
Available for pre-order from $79.95 and shipping at the start of November, the updated FRĒ WaterProof iPhone 6/6s case is sold in 6 color combinations and still resistant to intrusion from water, dirt, snow, and drops. Notably, the FRĒ WaterProof iPhone 6s case is also fully compatible with the faster Touch ID sensor as well as 3D Touch.
Most users won’t recognize the tiny differences in dimensions between each version, but be sure to opt for the new version if you have or plan on using the s-series iPhone 6. Last year’s model (check out our review here) can be had from $60.33 on Amazon, but note that it will not work with the newest iPhones.
Update: Straley has shared a new video detailing the functionality of the devices 48 hours after being submerged in water. Check it out at the bottom of this post.
We’ve already seen how well the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus hold up in bend tests and drop tests, and now a new video from YouTuber Zach Straley shows how well the devices fare when submerged in water.
Over the weekend I got my hands on the new $99Ultimate Ears Roll Bluetooth speaker — a durable and waterproof frisbee of a device that pumps the beats like the UE Mini Boom cousin it is replacing. The form factor is totally new however.
First up: The UE Roll sounds really good with significant bass emerging from that thin profile. Not quite as good as $200+ portable speakers like the Bose Soundlink Mini or even the full-sized UE MegaBoom but plenty good to fill up a room or for a few people to rock out with some background music on the beach for a volleyball game. If you find yourself in a quiet, still spot the sound really comes through clean even though the device with its bungee cord off the back lends itself to the great outdoors and physical activity.
The Roll connects to Apple and other Bluetooth devices – even the Apple Watch – through a typical Bluetooth 4 connection, but Logitech offers some very premium features via the iOS or Android app that debuted with the Megaboom. With the app, you can set an alarm, “equalize” the sound, pair two or more speakers for stereo or do Sonos-like arrays in every room, check battery status and more with updates promised for the future… Expand Expanding Close
The Apple Watch has been put through its paces on more than one occasion since its release last month and all of the tests have indicated that the device is far more waterproof than Apple claims. Now, triathlete Ray Maker has put Apple Watch through a trio of intensive tests that further prove the device’s ability to withstand exposure to water.
Catalyst is a sleek thin case that barely hides the design of the iPhone 6, considering how protective the case is. It is drop proof to 2 meters (6.6 feet), water proof to 5 meters (16.4 feet), dirt proof, snow proof and works with Touch ID.
Apple has applied for a patent for a method of waterproofing the internal components of ‘computing devices.’ The application, filed last year but only published today (via AppleInsider), does not name any specific devices, but the iPhone would be the most logical candidate … Expand Expanding Close
I’ve had LifeProof’s new Fre iPhone 6 case since it debuted last month and have put it through all kinds of torture tests, most notably my three-year-old who likes to watch Ben and Holly in the bath tub and six-year-old who sees no problem sled riding and skiing with a smartphone (Read: GPS tracking device).
The bottom line? It continues to protect from everything. Lots of drops, dirt, water, snow. Pretty much anything… Expand Expanding Close
With just about everyone in the tech industry getting in on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS (including Apple’s own Tim Cook and Dr. Dre), Samsung decided it would also be an appropriate time to mock the iPhone and others in the process. Expand Expanding Close
For the past few months, I’ve been testing Underwater Audio’s waterproofing service for Apple’s iPod shuffle. As the name implies, Underwater Audio is a company that created a technique to waterproof the iPod shuffle without changing the design, form-factor, size, overall weight and thinness of the wearable, lowest-cost iPod…
Update: Here’s the official word from OtterBox regarding Touch ID compatibility: “The Preserver Series for the iPhone 5s incorporates a thin layer of a specially formulated material that allows for full functionality of the Touch ID fingerprint scanner technology while keeping the case completely sealed from water.”
One of the the most well-known tough case manufacturers, OtterBox, today announced their new Preserver Series waterproof cases for the iPhone 5/5s/5c and Samsung Galaxy S4. It aims to provide peace of mind for smartphone users in wet, dusty, and messy environments. Most notably, it provides protection in up to 6.6 feet while keeping a stylish slim-line design.
“About 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and technology is almost as pervasive,” said OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas. “We take our smartphones with us everywhere, and OtterBox is dedicated to making these activities as worry-free as possible. The Preserver Series is dependable, seriously waterproof protection that you can trust.”
The Preserver Series is also dust proof and drop proof for tumbles as high as 6.6 feet. All functions remain accessible through the case even though each port and button are fully protected. It is unclear how OtterBox is achieving a complete waterproof solution for the iPhone 5s while keeping access to the Touch ID sensor. It appears the entire screen is covered by a built-in screen protector except for the Touch ID sensor which could be waterproofed with the same technology found in Lifeproof Nuud cases. This would make sense as Otterbox recently acquired Lifeproof. We have reached out to OtterBox for clarification and will update this post when we have more information.
The iPhone 5 Preserver Series case is $89.95 and is available for shipping now. The iPhone 5s/5c cases are not yet available for order and pricing information is not currently known. Save up to 15% on any OtterBox.com order with coupon code AM2012.
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“We’ve combined design cues from the world of high fashion with the unbeatable typing experience you expect from Logitech to bring a new level of self-expression to iPad protection,” said Mike Culver, vice president of brand development for tablet accessories at Logitech. “TheLogitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and Logitech Folio give you more than just a protective case for your iPad, they add a distinctive accent to your iPad that reflects your personal style.”
Logitech worked with world-class designers to identify chic fabrics and a bold color palette and combined them with a clean design. As a result, both the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and Logitech Folio are offered in a range of colors from Electric Blue and Sunflower Yellow to Mars Red Orange, and in an array of on-trend fabrics from matte leather to finely woven cotton.
“By developing color and material options that evoke our senses and speak to our individuality, Logitech has made owning an iPad unique again,” said Beatrice Santiccioli, world-renowned color expert and designer. “I brought my knowledge in color and design to Logitech to help inspire the selection of materials and develop a color palette that builds a strong emotional connection to people’s lifestyles.”
Don’t want the keyboard but still want the case? Have an iPad mini? The Logitech Folio is keyboardless, fits both iPads, and costs $70.
With iPad mini introducing a brand new set of dimensions for case manufacturers, most have not been as quick as with previous iPad launches to get products on the market. In the first couple of weeks of the product’s launch, only a handful of well-known accessory makers were taking orders, and we unfortunately saw many cheap 7-inch Android cases repurposed and sold as iPad mini compatible.
Apple’s new Lightning connector standard was of course another hurdle, and means there are not nearly as many available third-party docks, keyboards, adapters, etc., as iOS device owners have come to expect.
Below, we have put together a guide to the best of the best iPad mini accessories we could find that are currently available to order and shipping before the holidays:
Waterproofing your iPhone the old-school way has a major downside to it knowing the majority of water-resistant cases add bulk to your device and are downright ugly. At this year’s CES, companies that have solved this problem somewhat effectively are attracting attention from big media and attendees. Liquipel tackled the issue with an oleophobic-like coating that, well, repels water. The nano-sized coating is barely visible to the naked eye and it keeps electronics working even when submerged into a bucket of water, as seen in the clip above. The catch? You need to send your device to Liquipel to apply the coating for you at a $59 value. Check out the video above: It may look like a hoax, but it is the real deal. Another company employs a similar technique, as witnessed in the below clip.
I had a chance this week to demo a iPhone 4 and 4S case from a company called LifeProof that purports to offer 100% waterproof and military graded shockproof protection to iPhone 4 and 4S. There are other cases that offer this type of protection, but this one is relatively thin and also allows you to hear the speakers and use the mic thanks to micro-holed that are so small that water can’t get through but sound can. It also allows easy plugging in of a charging cable (forget docks) or headphone set with a convenient little O-ring adapter.
Well, it is certainly waterproof (even if it is really hard to let your iPhone go into the water the first time – what if you forgot to snap even one bit and it leaks?! There goes $600!). But it does work as advertised. At the showstoppers event, LifeProof were throwing them on the carpeted floor which didn’t seem all that harrowing. At home, I dropped it on hardwood from waist high (accidentally, incidentally) and the phone didn’t even see a scratch. The underwater images below were taken after the drop so the case appears to have weathered the storm as well.
Whenever my toddler gets the iPhone 4, he also gets the LifeProof case. You can pick up the LifeProof Cases at Best Buy for $79 in Black or White Expand Expanding Close
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