Here’s the list of 5 unique and fun little accessories for iPhone and iPad.
Classic Match Foosball for iPad
Works with iPad
Manufacturer: New Potato Technologies
Yes, the concept is awesome. Download the free accompanying app and slip your iPad into the 30-pin dock connector (sorry about that, fourth-gen owners). As expected, four mini axis control arms are in place to spin to control your players and boot the ball about, all on a drop-down pitch view from your iPad. Rubber pads on the base of the legs are good for friction.
The problem is that the arms aren't aligned with their respective line of players on the screen, so you have to trick your own muscle memory into moving the 'wrong' bar to control your men. The response time of them is impressive, but not perfect; some sensitive touches didn't register. The app's due an update; currently only one match mode is available.
Verdict: "App updates are needed to fix the flaws - right now, is heading for an early bath."
Plantronics Voyager Legend
Works with iPhone
Manufacturer: Plantronics
The latest Plantronics set is all about convenience. Too often the setting up and switching between the device and your mobile phone is what puts people off of using Bluetooth. The Smart Sensor technology here gets rid of that problem. Put the headset on and it can automatically transfer the call you were already on, and vice versa.
Finally, the link between your iPhone and your Bluetooth earpiece can be an unbroken one, and it works a treat. Simply putting on the headset when you receive a call will answer it, too. The other major feature that Plantronics boasts with the Voyager Legend is the ability to automatically filter out background noise. Having said all that, the Voyager Legend might not suit everyone. It's bulky and the boom arm microphone piece is overkill. You would also want to be with a network which gives you good reception and has low dropped calls. iPhone users who have unlocked phones may consider
iPhone SIM only deals with short contracts, giving them flexibility to change networks.
Verdict: "If you're using a Bluetooth headset on a daily basis, this is almost the perfect choice."
thinksound ts02+mic
Works with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Manufacturer: thinksound
These in-ear buds look stunning and claim to have the lowest possible eco-footprint. The ts02's are comfortable; this is largely due to their lightness and being substantially made of wood and lightweight aluminium.
Many other in-ear designs have turned to wood for a more 'natural' sound, and we liked that delicate touch when it came to bassy kinds of music. With heavy rock you'll get the thumping bass lines you're after while maintaining a good clarity in the treble. Oddly, it's a different story when it comes to classical jazz and acoustic music. We found the ts02's quite hollow-sounding and lacking the warmth that's promised.
The mic itself is neat on the cable, but the one button option, which lacks volume controls, for us, is an opportunity missed. They're not quite House of Marley quality.
Verdict: "Good for bass, but there are other sub-£100 offerings that we'd opt for over these."
Carbon Audio Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar
Works with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Manufacturer: Carbon Audio
The Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar is a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a stand for your iPad (or it can be used with other Bluetooth products), with a rechargeable battery, so you can use it anywhere. A screw-in metal rod makes it stand, which stashes away inside the Zooka for safe-keeping when not in use. As a stand, it's functional, but not brilliant. It moves around easily when you tap the iPad, and you can't adjust the angle. It's decent as a speaker, though. The high-end is full with clear vocals, offering plenty of detail. There's not much in the way of bass - it's not as prominent as in the Logitech UE Mobile Boombox - but it's still audible with a good mid-range. It definitely favours the top end, nor will it blow anyone away with its overall quality, but it pleasantly surprised us.
Verdict: "This isn't the best stand or speaker, but it does a decent job of combining the two."
Veho Muvi X-Lapse
Works with iPhone, iPod touch
Manufacturer: Veho
Want to make a rotating time-lapse shot on your iPhone? Step forward the Veho Muvi X-Lapse; set your time-lapse app to record at set intervals, rotate the stand to either 15, 30 or 60 minutes by twisting its base, and off you go. It's 15 minutes per 90°, so there's no way to change the speed of the rotation. No accompanying app comes from the manufacturers, but we found iMotion HD on the App Store for free, which produced decent enough recordings.
The stand can be used with a variety of cameras, but the plastic iPhone clip provided is great for either landscape or portrait recording. The base unit itself is sturdy and three flip-out feet offer extra stability. Our major bugbear is the loud 'egg timer' ticking of the stand when rotating - you even get a 'bing' when your set time is up; it can become annoying.
Verdict: "If you can abide the ticking, this is the best accessory for taking time-lapse 360's."
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