Archive
Boinx Welcomes New PartySnapper App with a Chance to Win an iPad Air 2
Puchheim, Germany – October 29, 2014 – Give PartySnapper Beta a spin at your next party for a chance to win the brand new iPad Air 2. PartySnapper Beta is now available for anyone with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 8 to test out. To celebrate, Boinx Software will be running a fun and friendly competition to see who can throw the best party. An iPad Air 2 will be raffled off among all qualifying party animals.
“We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received when we announced PartySnapper a few months ago through our Indiegogo campaign,” comments Oliver Breidenbach, CEO of Boinx Software. “We are so passionate about this app and know people are going to love bringing that extra bit of personalization to their parties. There are just a few kinks to work out, so with the help of Apple TestFlight and 1,000 partiers, PartySnapper will be taking over parties everywhere!”
Join the Party!
To join the PartySnapper beta contest, host a Beta Test Party with at least two of your friends. When the confetti settles, the host must send Boinx a group selfie with all party guests and fill out a questionnaire to officially enter the contest. The host of the party with the most participants and the host of the party with the coolest picture will each receive an exclusive PartySnapper beer stein. All qualifying party hosts will have a chance at the iPad Air 2.
About PartySnapper
PartySnapper has both a photo-taking mode for attendees and a mode for hosting parties. Every guest at a party takes tons of pictures with their iPhones. PartySnapper transmits these instantly to the host’s iPad or iPhone wirelessly, where all the photos are collected then displayed as a beautiful slideshow that plays on a TV or projector via AirPlay or cable. At the end of the party, there’s no need to ask the guests to send in their photos – they’ve already been aggregated on the host’s device. The app is super easy to use; hosts and party-goers alike should both be able to use it, even at the end of a long night of partying.
- Taking Pictures is Free! Taking pictures will always be free for your party guests. Tell everyone to download the free PartySnapper app and start taking pictures the moment they walk through the door.
- Free Party Light Mode: The Party Light mode is limited to one party with a 10 pictures slideshow. You can use this for an afternoon get together while planning the big party.
- In-App Purchases: Purchase a ticket for a single party with unlimited photos, valid for 7 days after purchase, or treat yourself to PartySnapper unlimited for all your parties all year round.
About Boinx Software
Boinx Software Ltd. is located in Puchheim, near Munich, Germany. Boinx Software develops award-winning animation, video production and photography software for the Mac® platform and iOS devices including the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod®. Boinx iStopMotion is the leading solution for stop motion animation and time-lapse capture, used by many thousands of enthusiastic animators at home, in schools, in advertising agencies and professional animation studios. iStopMotion for the Mac was named one of the Best Apps of 2012 on the Mac App Store. In 2011, Boinx Software added iStopMotion for iPad to its family of stop motion animation products. Boinx FotoMagico, winner of two Apple Design Awards, is a presentation tool for professional photographers. BoinxTV, winner of an Apple Design Award, is revolutionary live production software that turns any Mac into a TV studio. Boinx Mouseposé is the indispensable mouse pointer-highlighting tool for users developing presentations, training or demos. You Gotta See This! is Boinx’s iPhone 4 app that works off of 4th generation gyroscope technology to create amazing 360-degree photo collages. PhotoPresenter for iOS, Boinx’s newest app, allows users to connect an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to an HDTV set using HDMI or VGA, or via AirPlay, then browse the device’s photo library and select specific images or video to display on the second screen.
Follow @boinxsoftware on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, please visit the Boinx Software Website.
IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad adds iOS 8 support, ENGL amps, new drum packs and more
The earth shaking gain of ENGL
AmpliTube’s amplifier section is about to get a whole lot louder. The latest version introduces two new offerings from ENGL, an innovative German manufacturer whose high-gain amps are tailored to provide that supremely righteous tonality coveted by metal, classic rock and modern hard rock players. The amp heads in AmpliTube are based on the meticulously engineered virtual models found in AmpliTube 3 for Mac and PC.
The ENGL E650: An all-tube head that can conjure up classic rock-god tones from the ’80s and ’90s as well as the heavy crunch and distortion of tomorrow’s tone connoisseurs.
The ENGL Powerball: An amp head that’s earned its reputation as one of the most powerful and versatile modern high-gain amplifiers off the potent combination of its brutal rhythm tones, super high-gain lead tones and ultra-clean tones.
Both amp heads are available as in-app purchases, which means AmpliTube’s collection of amps is bigger than ever before. And to coincide with this, AmpliTube now lets users transfer their purchased gear between versions and devices, such as from AmpliTube for iPad to AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod touch (limited to 10 device transfers per user).
Take control with iRig BlueBoard
Though AmpliTube is fully controllable from the touchscreen, it really comes alive when paired with IK’s iRig® BlueBoard Bluetooth pedal controller. iRig BlueBoard gives users a wireless stompbox-like experience with four assignable buttons that can be used to trigger effects and swap presets from the floor. The latest version of AmpliTube makes the pairing even more seamless and powerful by adding built-in support and a new mode that allows for global control of AmpliTube’s robust built-in recorder.
8 tracks of tone
AmpliTube has always let players record their sessions via its built-in recorder. The latest version expands this capability by giving iPhone and iPod touch users the ability to expand from a single-track to an 8-track recorder through in-app purchase. That means that iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users have the same multitrack recording functionality, which is perfect for AmpliTube’s new project sharing feature. Now users can share their recordings and music projects across different versions and across different devices via iTunes File Sharing.
Powerful drums
For practicing and recording, AmpliTube features a powerful drum module called Loop Drummer. Like a virtual session musician, it provides rock-solid rhythm tracks that sync with AmpliTube’s recorder. The latest version of AmpliTube builds on this by adding additional Style Packs for purchase from the in-app store. Style Packs include 64 loops each, and provide eight different song-construction kits based around a core drumbeat style. The new Style Packs include 5 alternate versions of existing AmpliTube favorites – BLUES 2, FUNKY 2, METAL 2, POP 2 and ROCK 2 – plus three exciting new styles – JAZZ, LATIN and REGGAE. Now, no matter their style, guitar players and bassists will be able to practice with a drummer anywhere.
And a whole lot more
AmpliTube has also been optimized in a number of more subtle ways: It’s fully compatible with iOS 8, the new operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Its MIDI control has been improved by adding more assignable parameters to the built-in recorder. It’s now compatible with Audiobus on iOS 8. Its latency and MIDI control have both been improved. And its quick start guide has been replaced by multi-language dynamic tooltips available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.
Pricing and availability
The new version of AmpliTube is a complimentary update for existing users of all versions of AmpliTube, and it’s available now on the App StoreSM as both a free or paid app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for only $19.99/€17.99 for new users. The new ENGL E650 and ENGL Powerball amp heads are available via in-app purchase for $6.99/€5.99 each. Each new Loop Drummer 2 Style Pack is available via in-app purchase for $3.99/€3.59.
For more information, please visit:
| www.amplitube.com www.appstore.com/amplitube www.appstore.com/amplitubeforipad |
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IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
954-846-9101 ext 313 | www.ikmultimedia.com
AVANTEK USB Car Chargers (Review)
AVANTEK USB Car Chargers
Claybox Limited
$9.99 to $16.99 Amazon
Do you dread long road trips because either you have to turn off your devices to save battery life or you have to buy those really cheap (not well made) USB charger things in service stations or convenience stores only to toss them into the trash after a single use or two. And you can only charge one or two (if you’re lucky) devices at a time. Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, for just about the same price as dime store charging gadgets, you can have a real multi-device charging station for your long trips.
Seriously. For $16.99, you can charge up to five devices at once (upper left device in picture). It’s the one that I take with me on road trips. My wife, daughter, and I are able to charge our three iPhones and my daughter’s iPad all at once. Try that with a convenience store charger.
The other chargers shown have two USB connectors plus three cigarette lighter-style socket charger ports. These units are socket port multipliers. With them, you can charge or power a variety of gadgets, tools, and appliances. You aren’t limited to USB.
My sons chose the socketed chargers for themselves because they have a variety of “thingies” that they want to power. I don’t know what “thingies” are and I don’t want to ask. I feel better not knowing all the details. But whatever those details are, they’ll have plenty of power available to them.
Why it’s Frugal: AVANTEK power products are frugal because they save you both time and money. They save you time by allowing you to charge multiple devices in your car and they save you money because you don’t have to buy multiple chargers nor do you have to re-buy chargers because the ones you bought were cheap pieces of garbage. Frugal and useful. You just can’t beat that combination.
Surprisingly, I don’t have even one bad or slightly negative thing to say about these products. They do what they say they’ll do and they do it inexpensively. The manufacturing quality is very high, the designs are good, and they work. It’s hard to find fault with a product that is so well thought-out, so useful, and so frugal all in one package.
What more can I say than to tell you that my wife and my two college student sons love these? I can tell you that I love them too. Honestly, every vehicle you own should have at least one of these devices available because these days we depend so much on our personal technology that you can’t do without power.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: A must-have for every vehicle and every member of your family. These would make great gifts.
iBlazer Flash for Smartphones (Review)
iblazr LED Flash Unit
iblazr.com
$49.99
The iblazr LED Flash Unit for Smartphones (iblazr) is an absolutely essential accessory for any serious phoneographer. Whether you’re making short films, taking photos, or providing an extra light source for photographic equipment, the iblazr is a lighting dynamo that easily fits into any pocket or bag. It is a source of continuous light or flash for your visual work.
The iblazr package comes with one, four-light iblazr LED flash unit, an instruction booklet, a microfiber drawstring carrying pouch, and a 3.5mm to USB interface charging cable.
- 70 degree beam
- 5600K color temperature
- >80 CRI
- 27mm (1 inch) x 32mm (1.25 inchess)
- 10 grams
- Three Power Modes: 16, 60, and 120 Lux at 1 meter
- Easy battery level check
- USB charging
- 3.5mm jack
- iblazr app takes movies and photos
- Continuous lighting or flash
- Can be used off the device
- Cold shoe mount for DSLR and SLR continuous lighting
The founders and iblazr team members are obviously visionaries who know what we phoneographers like for versatile lighting. When you read the list of features, note that many of them are advanced for such a small and inexpensive device. I’m usually a bit critical of accessories like this that are priced in excess of about $39, but not this time. I think the $50 price tag is just right. And, no, you can’t get it cheaper on Amazon–I looked.
I particularly like the feature that allows you to have continuous like off the camera or in the so-called “cold shoe”. The cold shoe is really just a plastic holder for the iblazr that slides into the hot shoe on your camera. It’s handy because how else do you get continuous, mobile lighting for your DSLR or SLR? Think of trying to provide some continuous lighting with any of the lo-fi cameras such as the Holga, Diana, LomoKino, or Smena. The answer is that you can’t–not easily anyway.
The iblazr makes photography more fun because good lighting is essential to produce good images. How many times have you lost a great shot because of poor lighting or lighting that was off or cast the wrong shadows? Well, you won’t anymore thanks to the iblazr.
Why it’s Frugal: The iblazr is frugal because it is an expensive way to deliver a lot of light on your subject. What’s frugal about that, you ask? Have you priced photographic lighting? Have you ever priced portable photographic lighting? Have you looked at portable lighting at all? The way I figure it, the iblazr is very frugal because it does so much for so little. Frugal.
There’s nothing that I don’t like about the iblazr LED flash unit. I can’t find anything wrong with it. It does everything I’d want it to do if I’d designed it myself. And I’d never have thought of the cold shoe attachment, so it’s better than what I could have dreamed up.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: If you’re a phoneographer or a photographer who needs portable light, you must have it.
iRig Mic HD from IK Multimedia now shipping
August 5, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the global technology leader in mobile apps and accessories, today announced it’s shipping iRig® Mic HD, the first mobile digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC. The sequel to IK’s popular iRig Mic, iRig Mic HD is the perfect tool for singers, podcasters, online radio broadcasters, journalists, videographers, home studio enthusiasts and anyone else who needs to record high-definition digital audio on the go. iRig Mic HD comes in black and an exclusive silver version is available only from the Apple Store. Powerful, mobile and affordable: iRig Mic HD is the first handheld digital microphone for everyone.
Designed to perform
iRig Mic HD is the only mobile digital condenser microphone designed for live handheld performance and recording. It delivers high-quality digital sound via an electret condenser capsule, a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter (with 44.1/48 kHz sample rate) and a built-in low-noise high-definition preamp. iRig Mic HD sports an easy-to-use gain control that allows for optimum audio capture at any sound pressure level, from the quiet whisper of an ambient room to the full blast of a loud rock concert. A multi-color LED provides at-a-glance monitoring of sound levels.
Professional plug-and-play sound
For superior recording quality on the move, iRig Mic HD plugs directly into the digital input of your iOS device. iRig Mic HD is compatible with the latest generation of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices via its included Lightning cable. An optional 30-pin connector is available for legacy iOS devices. You can also use it for instant plug-and-play compatibility with your computer using the included USB cable to connect to your Mac or PC (driver download required for PC).
Capture high-quality sound on the go with the first mobile digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC.
A full spread of apps
For immediate recording, iRig Mic HD comes fully equipped with a suite of powerful IK apps: iRig® Recorder for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a straightforward audio and editing app for field recording and interviews. VocaLive™ for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a powerful vocal effects and multi-track recording app with a suite of 12 professional real-time vocal effects. AmpliTube® for iOS, Mac and PC is the industry-standard guitar studio app that features ultra-accurate digital models of some of the world’s most desirable guitar amplifiers and effects. EZ Voice for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is an easy-to-use vocal recording app that lets you sing-along and record with any song in your iTunes music library. iRig Mic HD is also compatible with a wide variety of third party apps, like GarageBand, Cubasis, ProStudio Vocal FX, MultiTrack DAW and more.
| The iRig Recorder App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/irigrecorder |
| The VocaLive App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/vocalive |
| The EZ Voice App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/ezvoice |
| The AmpliTube app is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/amplitubefree |
| Register and download AmpliTube FREE for Mac and PC from the IK Multimedia site or at http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree |
Pro sound at an affordable price
iRig Mic HD is so affordable that now anyone can capture high-quality digital audio on the go. Whether it’s broadcast interviews in the field, home recording in the studio, memo recording for the office or anywhere else audio needs to be captured.
Pricing and Availability
iRig Mic HD is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $129.99/€99.99 (excluding taxes). An exclusive silver version is also available from the Apple Store.
For more information, please visit www.irigmichd.com
IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. iRig®, AmpliTube® and VocaLive™ are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air, iPad mini and Lightning are trademarks of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Open Mic Night: IK Multimedia’s iRig Voice Microphone (Review)
iRig Voice Microphone
IK Multimedia
$39.99
If you’re like a majority of surveyed people, you want to sing. You also want to write what you sing. Singer/songwriters are a very common person type. Other than a good singing voice and an audience, you need some basic equipment with which to record your masterpieces, namely a microphone and some recording equipment. These days, your required recording equipment can be emulated with software. You can record, mix, add effects, and export your works to a variety of formats for public consumption.
The iRig Voice microphone is a standard microphone with a 3.5mm jack, but also includes a free working lite recording studio app named EZ Voice. The input jack also features an earphone jack so that you can speak and listen through the same interface.
The EZ Voice App (Free) allows you to do some basic voice recording, add some live effects, and record foreground vocals with your songs. But, the iRig Voice microphone is compatible with other multimedia apps as well. It works on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, newer Mac models and Android devices. I’ve personally tested it on my iPhone 5, iPad 4, Mac mini, Windows Phone (Nokia 928B) Metro, and my Android-based HP Slate 7+. All successful and perfect.
Audio App Compatibility List
- EZ Voice
- Dragon Dictation
- QuickVoice
- Skype
- SP Multitrack
- Garage Band
I recorded a short message using the EZ Voice app for you as a demonstration.
I don’t sing well enough to record a music demo, so you’ll have to use your imagination.
EZ Voice Main Screen
The microphone feels and sounds like any professional microphone I’ve ever used. The mic and apps worked together the first time without any issues. I did have to turn off Siri on my iPhone and on my iPad, but that might just be my experience and not yours. Siri kept popping up when I spoke into the mic during testing, so to avoid that annoyance, I disabled Siri.
This is one of the few products that I’ve ever reviewed that I’m absolutely convinced that the pricing is spot on. At $39.99, the iRig Voice is a great value. It performs as well as any microphone that I’ve ever used. I do suggest, as I would with any microphone, that you purchase a pop filter (about $3.00) to alleviate wind noise, pop, and some ambient noise.
Don’t use the mic when you’re charging your device because it creates a little bit of static, or it did for me, on my iPhone.
Why it’s Frugal: The iRig Voice microphone is frugal because its $39.99 price tag is perfect for anyone who wants to get into podcasting, song recording, or voiceover acting without spending a huge amount of money. It’s a great microphone at a great price. It’s an excellent value. Sure, you could spend $1,000 on a better microphone, but why would you?
EZ Voice – List of Effects
The microphone’s clarity is demonstrated very well when using it with the Dragon Dictation app on the iPhone or on the iPad. I’m not the best at enunciating my words (It’s a Texas thing), but the software picked up and correctly typed out every word I said on my iPhone and on my iPad. That’s impressive. I’ve never had that happen before and I always use the same lines for testing:
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party” and “Conjunction Junction, what’s your function”.
Those are two fun phrases that can confuse dictation software due to speech patterns. If you don’t think you can confuse the software, try it by using your device’s built-in microphone. It almost never gets them perfect.
Features
- Handheld vocal microphone delivers professional sound quality
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, newer Mac models and Android devices
- Compact cardioid pattern minimizes feedback
- Constructed of durable, lightweight thermoplastic
- Available in 5 colors: Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink and White
- Comes with EZ Voice app
- Works with dozens of karaoke, sing-along and music making apps
- Headphone jack for real-time monitoring
- Convenient on/off switch located on the mic
EZ Voice, while free of charge, does prompt you to purchase sound effect add-ons for $0.99 each. I purchased Tune and Morph, although I’m not sure exactly how to use them. I tap the FX icon and then tap the settings but the same list of settings shows up for each, so I must be doing something wrong. I’m not sure at this point if it’s me, that the app isn’t intuitive enough, or that it’s working as designed and I just don’t realize it.
EZ Voice – In App Effect Purchases
In either case, $2.00 isn’t a lot to spend trying out an app. It’s just too bad that it isn’t more obvious how to use the effects. There is a long list of effects that cover everything from arena to robotic to extremely deep to childlike. The effects are a lot of fun. There is one very cool effect called ‘Diana’ that changes your voice into a normal sounding female voice. It’s useful in case you need to sing a female part or speak a female part but don’t have a woman to provide the voice for you. It would work great for recording script dialog or for creating a voiceover for a product or service. It’s very impressive and I recommend it.
The app also allows you to sing along with and record your favorite songs. The instrumental parts are normal volume but the original vocals become background for you. EZ Voice is very well constructed and well thought out app. I do wish it were more obvious how to use the effects, but that isn’t a major flaw, but a little annoying.
I really like the iRig Voice microphone and the EZ Voice app. The microphone is a welcome addition to any musician’s, aspiring singer/songwriter’s, or voice artist’s toolbox. It’s cool to have multiple colors from which to choose. The only problem is that you might not be able to choose a color without a little buyer’s remorse. I suppose that you could collect all six and have one for every mood or gig.
I chose the green one for review because that lime green color has a special meaning for my daughter and me. The microphones are sturdy and well-built. They’re heavy on the end, just like you’d expect, and although IK Multimedia sells a professional digital microphone (iRig Mic HD), this one feels right and sounds right to me. But, this mic is probably best suited for song demos, podcasting, and voiceover work where extreme quality isn’t needed. The ads tell you that it’s perfect for karaoke and portable vocal studio. I’d have to agree, but you won’t be at all disappointed with the quality or the good looks of this mic. For $40, you can’t go wrong.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: Buy it, have some fun, and maybe hit the big time!
EZ Voice – Recording My Test Message
Note: I tested the iRig Voice microphone on my Windows Nokia 928B phone. This is not an officially ‘certified’ product and IK Multimedia does not endorse the use of the microphone on the Windows phone, so your mileage may vary. I tried it just to see if it would work and it did without any issues, but don’t blame me or IK Multimedia if the mic doesn’t work on your Windows phone.
You can also follow IK Multimedia and share your audio and video material on our YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and SoundCloud channels.
Also, check out the complete range of iOS accessories and apps for vocalists and recording!
– iRig MIC HD, digital handheld microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Mac
– iRig Voice, new colored handheld microphones for smartphones and tablets
– iRig MIC, the first handheld microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iRig MIC Cast, ultra-compact microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iRig PRO, universal audio/MIDI interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Mac
– iRig PRE, XLR microphone interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iLoud, studio quality portable speaker
– VocaLive, professional vocal effects/recording suite
– iRig Recorder, audio recorder and editor
EZ Voice – Recording Playback
And also check out IK‘s:
– iKlip, range of stage and studio support and stand for your mobile device
– iLine, range of quality audio cable adapters
– All the music creation accessories and apps
– All the music software for Mac/PC
IK Multimedia is a “Musicians First” music technology company. It makes a complete range of sound and tone solutions for Guitar & Bass players, Keyboardists, Sound Designers, Engineers, DJs and Producers. You can check out their full line of professional mobile and studio performance products at www.ikmultimedia.com.
The mykeyO Executive Restt iPad Keyboard Stand and Organizer (Review)
mykeyO Executive Restt iPad Keyboard Stand and Organizer
mykeyO
$34.95/$24.95 Amazon(Prime)
Rarely do I find a product that I like so much that I spoil the story at the very beginning of my review, but this is one of those products. I love the mykeyO executive restt™ (restt™). It is a keyboard caddy, an iPad stand, a pen holder, and under the keyboard rest, there’s storage for all the clutter on your desk. As soon as the restt™ arrived, I placed it under my keyboard and I haven’t tossed it aside or changed its location at all.
The restt™ has found a permanent home on my desk.
The Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard (not included with the restt™) fits perfectly into the keyboard slot. As you can see in the picture, you can raise your keyboard to reveal all your goodies stored below. Your iPad, iPhone, or other tablet fits nicely into the large slot so that you can work with your device as if it were a laptop without the rigidity of a laptop.
Plus, your device is close enough and tilted just right so that you can tap and swipe as needed.
I use the restt™ as a keyboard caddy for my Apple Wireless Keyboard for my Mac mini, but the cool thing is that I can place my iPad or my iPhone into the slot and have it there handy as well. In fact, as I write this post, my iPhone is in the slot. I have to keep track of my retweets and messages, so this makes it very convenient. Plus, the restt™ is made of silicone rubber, which means that it’s rigid enough to be stable and sturdy for typing but soft enough to absorb the vibrations from typing and from my ever-vibrating phone.
Silicone rubber also won’t scratch any surfaces nor will it make those odd looking greasy spots that some pure petroleum-based rubber products do. And silicone rubber is easy to clean and it doesn’t fade or turn funny colors as it ages. This is a product that you’ll have around a while.
I haven’t found any flaws or negatives with the restt™. It’s a thoughtfully made product that really helps keep my sundries organized and out of sight.
One notable feature is that the keyboard doesn’t “walk” around while you’re typing on it. No matter how hard you type, or how fast, your keyboard stays put.
Why it’s Frugal: The mykeyO executive restt™ is frugal because it keeps you organized, it won’t harm your furniture, it keeps your iPad, iPhone, or other tablet handy, and you can take it from place to place easily. It provides you with a comfortable work surface and environment, which will make you more efficient and productive. If that’s not frugal, I don’t know the definition of frugal.
Now we come to the price. $34.95 is the retail price, but you can buy it for $24.95 on Amazon and if you’re a Prime member, there’s no shipping charges. $24.95 is a very good price for the restt™. I love the design features and you have your choice of colors to boot, which coupled with its sheer utility value, I don’t think you can go wrong with it.
The only stipulation is that you have to have an Apple Wireless Keyboard to use with the restt™. If you don’t have one, but want one, you can purchase a reasonable facsimile of an Apple Wireless Keyboard from mykeyO. Actually, the mykeyO version is a tiny bit wider than the Apple keyboard but is much better. It’s better because it has functions specific for Windows, Apple, and Android-based devices. I’ll have a full review of that product posted soon, so keep watching.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Forget the rest and buy the restt™ and get yourself organized.
The HISY Wireless Smartphone Camera Remote (Review)
HISY Wireless Smartphone Camera Remote
HISY ( pronounced hīgh-see )
$24.99 Amazon (Prime)
The HISY Wireless Smartphone Camera Remote (HISY) is a remote shutter device for your iPhone and iPad (See Features section below for compatibility). The HISY is a very small (approximately 1″x1″) Bluetooth device that fires your camera shutter or starts a video capture. The HISY is compatible with any iPhone camera app that uses the basic camera app as a base.
In other words, if you use a camera app that adds some effect to your pictures as you take them, the HISY will work with it, if the app is based on the iPhone’s basic camera app.
I suggest that you test it with your favorite camera apps before you do any serious photography with it. You don’t want to set everything up only to find that the HISY isn’t compatible with your camera app.
There’s no associated app that you need to buy or download for the HISY to work. All you have to do to is link the device with your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth, open your camera app and starting taking pictures or starting videos.
HISY Features:
- Apple iOS 7.0 or later of iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, iPad 3rd & 4th Generation, iPad Mini & iPad Air iPod, & iPod Touch 5th Generation or later
- Frequency Range: ISM Band 2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth Version: BT 4.0 Low Energy
- Active Range: 30-90ft / 10 to 30m
- 2+ Year Battery Life: (CR2032 x 1 Cell)
- Includes headphone jack attachment to carry with you at all times
One of the coolest applications for a device like this, other than selfies, is as a remote camera that’s inconspicuous to its subjects. Often people don’t enjoy having their pictures taken, but if they’re unaware that you have a camera pointed at them, they’re far more relaxed and unguarded for photographs, interviews, or other forms of subtle photography, such as getting those precious moments snaps of your kids playing or of your husband cheerfully taking out the garbage.
The HISY sells for $24.99 on Amazon and is Prime qualified (free two-day shipping). The HISY also includes a short strap connected to a plastic insert that fits snugly into your earphone port that allows handy access to impromptu photos that you might otherwise miss.
Why it’s frugal: The HISY is frugal because you can take up to 200 photographs with it daily for two years on a single CR2032 ($3.00) battery. It also has a very long range (30 to 90 feet), which puts it in competition with devices costing twice as much or more.
The HISY is small enough to fit comfortably in your hand and has a simple “one touch” operation. It’s simple enough for young children to operate. A single button press fires the camera shutter for a perfect, non-blurry picture.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: Buy it and test it with your favorite apps before you do real shooting with it.
Keep Your iStuff Stylishly Under Wraps with Mummy Cases (Review)
Mummy Cases for iPad, iPhone, and iPad mini
Loop Attachment Company
Price: $40.00 for iPad. $24.95 for iPhone. $30.00 for iPad mini.
The Mummy cases for your iPad, iPhone, and iPad mini are just what you need for keeping a firm grip on your mobile device, while also keeping a firm grip on your sanity when using your very expensive gadgetry. Mummy cases are called “mummy” because their design is somewhat reminiscent of mummy wrappings. One significant thing to note about the cases is that they do not cover your product’s cameras, speakers, power connector, earbud interface or Apple logo.
I’m not sure the last one is an absolute requirement but some people like for you to know they’re using Apple products instead of some knock off or lesser quality device. Actually, not covering the logo is really a secondary feature–the real feature is so that you can stash your credit cards, your ID, your gym membership card, or even a few business cards.
The cases are constructed of high-quality silicone rubber polymer, which is chemically unreactive, stable, durable, impact absorbing, and shape retaining. It is also highly resistant to changes in temperature and mechanical stress. In other words, this case will likely outlast the electronic device that it protects by a factor of ten.
And now, my personal experience with the Mummy case for iPhone 5:
Did you ever have one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong? And one of those things was that your iPhone slid off of your car’s dashboard and hit the floorboard hard after, of course, making an impact on your gearshift lever. I’ve had it happen to me more than once. My iPhone 5 has taken a minor beating because of my desire to have it handily placed on the dashboard within reach. No, I don’t text and drive but I do have a Bluetooth enabled car so I can make and receive phone calls by pressing steering wheel buttons and speaking.
The problem is that I can’t send or retrieve messages using the car’s built-in features. I have to physically press my iPhone’s Home button until Siri responds. Once I do that, all is well but it has to be somewhere handy for me to do it. The dashboard is a good choice–well, would be a good choice if it weren’t for the fact that anytime I turn a corner, it skitters across the car like a rock skipping across a lake, with similar results: I get a sinking feeling at the end of the excitement.
After I received a set of Mummy cases to try, I immediately placed one on my iPhone, my iPad, my wife’s iPad mini, and my daughter’s iPad mini.
I decided that because this case is made of silicone rubber I’d try the dashboard trick again. At least it would have enhanced protection even if it failed to hold the phone in place. To my enjoyment, the case held my phone in place on the dashboard, even through the treacherous, construction-laden streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Success. Finally, I can leave my phone on the dash, within reach, without having to hold it down or pick it up every time I turn a corner, swerve to miss an errant driver (don’t laugh, it happens a lot), or to navigate the plague of perennial construction.
Let me say here that the silicon rubber isn’t sticky or tacky, like you might suspect. This is high quality silicone rubber and not the low grade stuff that the “wall walker” toys are made of, nor is it composed of rubber that picks up lint and dust from objects that it touches. It also slides easily in and out of jeans pockets but is “sticky” enough to stay inside under unusual circumstances that I often find myself in during backyard activities, garage puttering, or working in the data center on computers. I don’t have to worry about my phone slipping out of my pocket. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Score one for the Mummy iPhone case.
The iPad case is equally “grippy.” I use my iPad in all sorts of unusual scenarios, such as while I’m watercolor painting, while I’m cooking, or while I’m in the hot tub. Hey, don’t judge me; I like my technology close to me where ever I am.
The case feel good in my hands while I’m playing Trigger Fist or Real Racing 3. Yes, I know that I should be writing, learning, or doing something more constructive but come on–I need my down time too. Didn’t you ever watch Star Trek’s “Shore Leave” episode where they said, “…the more complex the mind, the greater the need for the simplicity of play.”? I don’t care what you think, I’m going with that as applying to myself and as justification for playing video games.
My wife and daughter love the Mummy cases too. My wife really likes the fact that the case has magnetic anchors so that her Apple “smart” cover works with it. She did tell me that you have to be somewhat careful with the smart cover when closing it because sometimes the smart cover doesn’t connect fully and sleep the iPad mini. Neither my daughter nor I have a smart cover so I have to take her word for it.
She’s had nothing but good things to say about the Mummy case and that she really likes how it feels in her hands. She feels like it enhances her iPad mini experience. Before the Mummy case, she only had the smart cover by itself and she said it felt awkward and never comfortable. She’s happier with it now that she has the Mummy case.
My daughter’s experience is similar to my wife’s with her iPad mini. She plays a lot of video games and likes the grip it gives her on the iPad. She says that it feels “natural.” I’d have to agree. That feeling is purely subjective, I realize, but it’s accurate. It feels like the iPad should have been made with this kind of feel. It’s very hard to explain but it feels natural and it doesn’t add any real weight or dimensionality to the device. It’s “natural.”
Why it’s frugal: The Mummy case is a frugal product because it protects your valuable devices. If that weren’t enough, and it certainly could be, you also have the bonus features of a natural feel, smart cover compatibility, and surface stability–such as on a car’s dashboard.
The only issue I have with the Mummy case is the price. It seems a little high to me. I don’t know how much it costs to produce but the products are made in China, which is slightly offputting. I do prefer American made products. If I’m going to pay $25, $30, or $40 for a case, I’d rather have it made in America. I’d feel better about purchasing the cases if they were $10 per item less expensive.
I love quality products. Apparently other members of my family love them too, because they haven’t removed the Mummy cases since we put them on. The cases are easy to put on your devices, yet give them a snug and stable fit.
The Loop Attachment Company manufactures very well made products. I like the range of available colors and the number of devices they support. The cases fit well and protect the devices they’re meant to protect. The cases are elegant, stylish, and make great gifts for yourself or others. And they’re attention getters–I’ve had several people check out my iPhone case from just the look alone. No one ever did that when I sported my TARDIS case. Oh well, not everyone is a Whovian.
My family and I love the Mummy cases and gladly recommend them for your iStuff. The grip, the natural feel, the range of colors, the warranty, and the added features make them a fine addition to your busy, gadget-centered lifestyle.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: Buy for yourself or for a gift. You’ll be happy with your choice.
Introducing the Jackery Leaf Integrated Battery and Case for iPhone 5 and 5S
iPhone 5 and 5S Users Enjoy Extended Talk and App Time with the Jackery Leaf Integrated Battery/Case Solution Powerful and Lightweight Battery Enables Fast Charging on the Go –Jackery Leaf Doubles the Operational Time of the iPhone Battery
Santa Clara, CA (January 21, 2014) — Jackery, Amazon’s #1 provider of premium portable battery products for mobile devices, announced today the release of the Jackery Leaf, the company’s first powerful rechargeable battery for iPhone 5 and 5S devices that is integrated within a protective phone case.
Available in Jackery’s signature orange, black, or white, the Jackery Leaf allows iPhone users to charge their phone while they are mobile due to the battery being integrated within the protective case. The Apple Certified product features a micro-USB to Lightning connector converter, so users can plug in and charge the battery and their iPhone at the same time for optimal efficiency. Full charging takes only two and a half hours. The capacity of the Jackery Leaf gives users up to 50 extra hours of operational time depending on what types of applications they are running or tasks they are performing.
“The Jackery Leaf was built to fit specifically with iPhone 5 and 5S devices within a protective case structure” said York Wu, CEO of Jackery. “A significant differentiator for our product is the battery is detachable from the case, so users can still have the benefits of our great case while the Jackery Leaf is charging. It’s also a considerable value, as users get Jackery’s legendary craftsmanship with two protection cases and an additional battery at a price that is very reasonable. It’s this relentless focus on quality and value that has established us as the industry’s number one provider of premium portable batteries.”
The Jackery Leaf features a three-color LED charging status indicator for simple operation and a four-layer smart safety protection circuit. Each order includes two cases, the battery, a premium audio extension cable and micro-USB charging cable. It is available now at Amazon.com.
In 2013 Jackery established itself as the provider of the most affordable and powerful portable chargers available in the marketplace. Many of Jackery’s products are compatible with Android and iOS devices and also Windows phones, various smartphone and tablet platforms, multiple gaming devices, and MP3 players. The Jackery Leaf joins the Jackery Air, Jackery Fit, Jackery Giant+, Jackery Giant, Jackery Bar and Jackery Mini products. Consumers can purchase the entire Jackery lineup at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=AZF6YB7UVA7OU or http://store.jackeryusa.com/.
About Jackery
Jackery is a Santa Clara, California-based technology company focused on developing premium battery products for smartphones and tablets. The company offers a lineup of four products, the Jackery Air, Jackery Giant+, Jackery Giant, Jackery Bar, and Jackery Mini, which all offer considerable charging time and small form factors for owners of the most popular smartphones, tablet devices, MP3 players and gaming devices. For more information, visit www.jackeryusa.com.
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