Accessories

One of the features I was secretly hoping to see in the iPhone 5: induction-powered battery charging.

This already exists in the form of third-party products like the Powermat and Energizer Qi. Alas, Apple missed a chance to wow the world, catch up with smartphones like the Lumia 820 and 920, and perhaps distract from the massive disappointment that is the Lightning connector.

Fortunately, if you own an iPhone 4 or 4S, you still have options for cutting the charging cord. One of the latest: BuQu Tech's Magnetyze, a complete inductive conductive-charging kit priced at $69.99. Update: According … Read more

Since Apple's iPhone 5 became official on September 12, it's been an emotional roller coaster for tech enthusiasts. There have been plenty of highs -- It's so light! It's got 4G! Beautiful screen! -- but they've been tempered with some disappointing lows, too.

On the software side, Apple's decision to move to a Google-free maps app has been the biggest sticking point. On the hardware front, there's still grumbling about the death of the venerable 30-pin dock port, which has been a mainstay of iPhone (and iPod) design since the early days.

For many, the transition from 30-pin to Lightning has meant an express trip through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and even depression. But now that the iPhone 5 is here, it's time for acceptance -- let's make the best of this.… Read more

You know the old saying: you can never be too rich or too thin, or have too much battery power for your Android phone.

If you're forever running low on juice, you've probably thought about packing along a spare battery -- but that's a hassle. Not only do you need a way to keep it charged, you also need a convenient place to stow it.… Read more

How many smartphone or tablet games have you abandoned in disgust because your fat fingers couldn't master the onscreen controls or blocked too much of the action?

The solution, of course, is a game controller, one that connects wirelessly and is therefore compatible with most any mobile device. Just one problem: most of the controllers currently in development are on the larger side, meaning they're not practical to tote around in a pocket. So much for gaming on the go.

Black Powder Media's iMpulse is a Bluetooth-powered game controller that's small enough to attach to your … Read more

Are you a self-righteous iPhone devotee? It's OK, we know you're out there, so why not flaunt it?

Like the iPhone 5 itself, this $34.95 forthright and obnoxious case is elegant, simple, and "just works..." at irritating the heck out of the Android fanboi next to you on the train whose Galaxy S3 just gave him a "force close" error.… Read more

What is the new Lightning connector? Unveiled at the press conference announcing the iPhone 5 and 2012 iPod lineup, the proprietary Lightning connector replaces the 30-pin connector found on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod since 2003. Like the 30-pin connector, the Lightning connector is used for charging the device as well as syncing content and data and audio and video output. The new devices come with a USB 2.0-to-Lightning cable.

How is it different from the 30-pin connector? It's 80 percent smaller yet sturdier, and it's reversible, so you don't have to worry about which side … Read more

The technology industry hasn't exactly spawned the most fashion-forward looks of all time, but the hoodie stands out as a persistent fashion meme, thanks to an ongoing assist from Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg.

While you're all zipped up in your Zuckerberg tribute hoodie, nice and toasty, your poor tablet is left out in the cold with nothing but a scant Smart Cover to keep it warm. Maybe it's time to buy your iPad a hoodie of its very own.

The Hoodie Sleeve comes from Computer Apparel, the same company that brought us V-neck shirts for iPads. I suppose you could combine the two if you really want to treat your iPad like a Cabbage Patch Doll.… Read more

Third-party versions of the new Lightning-to-30-pin adapter cooked up by Apple are now selling via Amazon and eBay.

Amazon shows generic versions being sold through two companies -- Nanotch and iTronz. Nanotch is offering the 7-inch cable adapter for $17.95, a part that Apple sells for $39. iTronz is selling the smaller stub adapter for $9.99, for which Apple charges $29.

Both items are available for preorder, with the cable adapter scheduled to be released September 30 and the stub adapter September 26. Nanotch has a 94 percent positive review on Amazon, while iTronz has scored a thumbs-up … Read more

iPhone 5 buyers won't be getting a Lightning to 30-pin adapter on the house after all.

Reports that the new phone would come with the adapter surfaced today after some of Apple's online stores listed it as packaged with the iPhone 5.

The information on Apple's U.K. iPhone 5 order page specifically said that "your phone includes a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter for connecting 30-pin accessories to devices featuring the Lightning connector."

But it seems Apple committed a bit of a gaffe here. Customers who called or chatted with Apple reps about the adapter … Read more