Accessories


A Thermometer for One's Smartphone

  • PDF

Temperature-reading accessories for smartphones are not too new, but the Robocat take appears to be the most portable one yet-- the Thermodo, a small (3.5cm) thermometer one can plug into device headphone jacks.

ThermodoThe Thermodo carries a highly-sensitive sensor inside a tiny package, and works together with a companion app. Once plugged in iOS or Android devices it measures air temperatures, with the app providing readings and graphs.

The device is reportedly even a bit too sensitive-- touching it affects readings, and while the app provides some compensation adjustments the makers suggest using an audio extension cable for more accurate readings.

Read more...

A Battery to Keep Devices Going (Even) Longer

  • PDF

Gbatteries claims the BatteryOS technology inside the BatteryBox rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack not only keeps devices running for longer also help reduce battery degradation.

BatteryboxAccording to the company the BatteryBox carries 50Whr of power-- enough to run a MacBook Air for 12 hours, a MacBook Pro for 6 hours or charge up to 8 iPhones.

As well as iDevices equipped with a MagSafe 2 port the battery also charges anything equipped with a micro USB port. It weighs250g and takes 9 hours for a 100% using a 1A power supply.

Read more...

A More Moov-ing Fitness Tracking Experience

  • PDF

The Moov promises more accurate and useful fitness tracking through a disc-shaped strap-equipped wearable sensor able to provide near-constant feedback based on how the user is actually moving.

Moov Made by a ex-Apple engineer Nikola Hu and Microsoft Research sensor expert Meng Li, the Moov uses gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers to analyse body movements in 3D. Thus, the makers claim, the device actually acts as a "virtual coach," providing tips accoring to wearer performance.

For example it can let one know if they are risking injury by hitting the ground with their foot too hard, or whether they are doing pushups correctly.

The sensor is waterproof and can be strapped on either wrists, arms or ankles. It comes with a companion mobile device (iOS, with Android to follow post-launch) app providing further exercise data at the end of each workout.

Read more...

An iAccessory for iPhotography

  • PDF

SnappgripFollowing a successful Kickstarter campaign accessory maker BiteMyApple opens preorders for the Snappgrip, an accessory turning iPhones into something more akin to "proper" cameras.

The device consists of a controller and a companion iPhone 5/5S case. The controller "snaps" on the case and adds physical photography controls such as a shutter button, zoom, mode-selection dial and even a standard tripod mount within an ergonomic design.

Read more...

The Smartphone Pregnancy Tracker

  • PDF

Is there anything the smartphone accessory-app combo cannot do? The recently launched Bellabeat is a pocket-sized digital ultrasound device pregnant women can pair with an app in order to track fetal development.

BellabeatThe device amplifies unborn babies' heartbeat and visualises in-utero sounds to provide a visualisation of development over time. Meanwhile the companion app also allows women to track weight gain and nutrition. 

An obligatory social component provides connection with a global expecting parent community. 

Read more...