The Guys at Simply Zesty have put together what i think is the best iOS 7 concept i have seen yet. Check out their full blog post here 

 

Here are some of the Pics

Source Simply Zesty

 

What Otterbox Say

The OtterBox iPhone 5 Armor Series case is a reinvention of an OtterBox classic that brings protection against water, drops, dust and crushing force. Metal latches, o-ring seal, port covers and mesh coverings keep water out to allow for a completely waterproof iPhone 5 case. The Armor Series case for the iPhone 5 was made with confidence. We encourage you to use it with some.

Functionality

The case is made from plastic and silicone, and there are two metal latches on the right side that lock the front and back pieces into place. There are protective caps for the iPhone’s power connector and headphone jack. Otterbox was smart to provide a wide-enough opening so that you could plug-in your headphones and charger without needing to use an adapter or remove the case.But be aware if you are using the 30pin adaptor to lighting it wont fit .

I ran into the same issues with the touchscreen not being as responsive as you would be use to but in my experience this is something that happens when you move to this type of case from a case that did not have a built-in protector.But the Otterbox Armor did its main job of keeping my iPhone safe in my water tests. I didn’t try the 10-foot drop.

Inside the case, the iPhone is 100% covered, but still totally usable. Raised protectors for the Sleep/Wake, Home, and volume buttons allow for physical control without seriously diminishing their tactility. There’s a similar piece of rubber for the side switch that reverses its functionality; with Armor Series Case, you push forward to put your phone in silent mode. Audio performance is surprisingly great: on both sides of the conversation, it’s virtually impossible to tell when the iPhone 5 is in or out of the case. Similarly, music sounds just as clear as it does coming from a bare phone. Special vent covers over the earpiece, microphone, and speaker allow audio in and out, but prevent water or anything else from intruding on the iPhone.

Camera performance is similar: while both cameras and the flash are covered by plastic, they remain usable and unobscured. The headphone and Lightning ports are accessible through respective flip-open protectors. Although it takes some effort to open them, we’d prefer that limitation in a waterproof case to an alternative design that pops open too easily. A wrist strap is included, and can be strung through a hole on the rear panel.

 

Protection

The Otterbox Armor can be submerged in up to 6.6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, & Otterbox says it can survive a 10-foot drop and withstand up two tons of pressure. Just to be very clear i did not put my personal iPhone through these tests but i did do the watertightness test without the phone and it was bone dry inside when i opened it up.

Quality

As like with all Otterbox products only the best materials are used the Armor is no exception to this.

Value

As expected, Armor Series Case does keep water and other elements out, and though I didn’t take it in the desert or run it over with my car, I’d be quite confident in its abilities to live up to OtterBox’s other claims. It truly feels like a case that can stand up to anything.

But what are you willing to pay for that insurance policy For most users, the Armor an insane amount of protection and just isn’t necessary; slimmer cases can handle occasional drops and bumps, and some even offer waterproofing at lower prices, without this sort of brick-like bulk. If you’re planning to take a trip up the Amazon or expose your iPhone to the elements (water,sand,dust) but also to serious crush risks, and need to know it’ll be safe, Armor Series Case is in my opinion the only case on your shopping list.

 

 

Model: Otterbox Armor Series – Neon

Company: Otterbox

Compatibility: iPhone 5

List Price: ¢99.95

Buy Now: www.otterbox.com

With the launch of iOS& only weeks away its expected that Apple with the influence of Sir Jonny Ive will come out with a fresh take on iOS, It badly needs it and here are some ideas people are coming up with for a new UI

 

?t=1m20s

I am not doing the Monday Keynote year by year its very random and really down to my personal taste this is another one of my favourite  “one more thing” from Macworld 2002. When Steve Jobs Launched one of the coolest personal computers ever invented. And in my humble opinion still the best looking Mac. Jump the 1:20 to see Steve introduce the iMac

The guys at OtterBox Cork sent me on another Reflex and i said i would just throw up some of the pics.

I really like this case and reviewed it in full just a few weeks back. Full review HERE

This is a very nice colour for the ladies its full name Color: Zing (Pop Purple Translucent / Violet Purple)

Conclusion: Not everybody needs the most durable case in the world i.e. the OtterBox Defender, if you’re not one of those then the Reflex is a thinner, lighter, easier to install option with the same pedigree as the Defender.

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Reflex Series

Company: www.otterbox.com

Compatibility: iPhone 5

List Price: $34.95

Buy Now: www.otterbox.com or amazon.com

 

A small green LED hidden behind the plastic it glows when in use and flashes when in charge mode.

The tube gets hot fairly quickly when charging too. On the positive note, this means it does double up a decent hand-warmer for those British winters. It’s comparable in size to a pack of Trebor Extra Strong Mints as well, so slots in the pocket with ease.

The Avantree fully charged my iPhone 5  and there was still enough in it for another iPhone top up.

The Avantree requires a micro usb adapter to charge itself which you are supplied with

What’s Good:

• Solid build quality (aluminium)
• Comes with cables for various devices.
• Charges up relatively quickly.
• All ports are accessible.
• Will fit in your pocket

• The tube gets hot fairly quickly when charging
• No Apple lighting cable or comes with the package.
• Will only charge the iOS devices with lightening connection with the Apple Certified lightening cables .WILL NOT WORK WITH LIGHTENING ADAPTORS

Conclusion: Does the job but ……. if you own an iPhone 5 or iPad mini you will need to use your own lightening cable

 

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Avantree Universal Battery Pack – SPPW-220-SLR

Company: www.avantree.com

Compatibility: iPhone,iPad & all mobile devices (you will need to use your own lightening cable)

List Price: €29.49

Buy Now:iPhone 5 battery or iPhone 5 accessories

 

The two USB ports are marked “phones” and “pads,” and they put out different amounts of power: 500 mA from the “phone” port and 1.5A from the “pad” port. I found the “pad” port worked with an Apple iPad 3 . Once you plug in your gadget, you hold down the button on top of the battery for a few minutes to start charging.

The XP4001 fully charged my iPhone 5 and iPad 4 and there was still enough in it for another iPhone top up.

The XP4001 requires an external, AC power adapter to charge itself,this is a bit of a pain particularly as the supply you are given is a US 2 Pin AC. but i was supplied with a US to Uk adaptor.To be fair once you charge up the power pack you will not need to charge it again for another while as it will give your phone about 2-3 charges

The cables that comes with the Energizer XP4001 are short, curly, and don’t terminate in standard microUSB ends. Instead, you get six plug-in “tips” that can terminate in microUSB, miniUSB, Apple 30 pin dock connectors or Nokia, Samsung, or LG older proprietary phone connectors. This is a useful solution for people who don’t already have their own USB cables, or for older devices that don’t charge over USB.

 

What’s Good:

• Solid build quality
• Comes with cables for various devices.
• Charges up relatively quickly.
• Can handle higher-drain phones & Tablets
• All ports are accessible.

• Separate AC adapter
• Requires UK adapter for the AC as only supplied one is US 2 pin
• No Apple lighting connector or tip comes with the package. So if you are using an iPhone 5 iPad 4 or iPad Mini you will require a Micro USB to lightening adaptor (in pic above) or 30 pin to lighting adaptor

Conclusion: The Energizer XP4001 will recharge your iPhone or iPad on the go so its does what it says on the tin……………but if you are using any of Apple’s latest devices you will need to buy an additional Micro USB to lightening adaptor (in pic above) or 30 pin to lighting adaptor . These will set you back about €30.00. The device itself is priced right at the moment so go grab it ASAP

 

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Energizer XP4001

Company: www.xpalpower.com

Compatibility: iPhone,iPad & all mobile devices

List Price: €23.49 (Sale Price)

Buy Now:iPhone 5 battery or iPhone 5 accessories

 

 

The guys at mobilefun.com contacted me a number of days ago to try out Speck CandyShell Case for the iPhone 5.I have been using it now for a while and here are my thoughts.

This isn’t the first Speck CandyShell i have used for my iPhones i had the same case in Black & White for the iPhone 4 and was a big fan.

Read more →

OtterBox Cork have sent on a rather unusual case for me to test out/review.

Perhaps you have questioned the name behind the company OtterBox. Certainly it is evident that the company has made a living out of creating high-quality cases for smartphones, but still, what is with the name?

OtterBox started out by creating a line of boxes that would stay dry when being used in the great outdoors. Like an otter, the moisture just ran off the box. Since this initial release, OtterBox has significantly increased its selection of devices and cases for users.

OtterBox has now come full circle with a couple of its most recent product announcements.

The OtterBox Pursuits/20 and the OtterBox Pursuits/40 are both part of the new OtterBox Pursuit Series, which turns back the clock to OtterBox’s early days, but also incorporates modern technology and needs.

Read more →

 

The guys at OtterBox Cork contacted me a number of weeks ago to try out their Reflex Case for the iPhone 5.

At this stage you should know i am not a stranger to being “ottered” as i have also been a fan of how well Otterbox protects my iDevices.This is the second Reflex I have used the fist one being for the iPhone 4S.

 

Is the So where does the Reflex fit in then ………

 

Otterbox has been making iPhone cases since the beginning and have many choices depending on your wallet and stress level. As i said i have used all the different types of cases Otterbox makes for the iPhone as far back as iPhone 3G. The Defender cases have always been my favourite out of all of Otterbox’s offerings.until not that is ……….. The Reflex case has the potential to be Otterbox’s best case for the average iPhone user if they can make a few small changes.

iPhone cases too often make the docking connector hard to reach, but the two-part Otterbox Reflex solves that. The whole bottom half of the case slips off for docking and charging. This case isn’t quite the armored solution that the Defender is, but it’s plenty tough, with air pockets in the corners to resist the impact of falls. It’s also made of both flexible poly materials and harder plastic portions. Otterbox includes an adhesive film for protecting the screen.

What does otterbox say about the case ?

 

Compatibility:

• Apple iPhone 5
• NOT COMPATIBLE with the iPhone 4 or 4S

Features:

• Air cushions in the corners absorb impact away from the device
• All features and functions are completely accessible through the case
• Easy to slide on and off for easy docking

Material:

• Thin, lightweight 2-piece case installs easily
• Adhesive screen protector prevents scratches and smudges (comes with bubble squeegee)
• Polycarbonate and rubber are molded together to allow for flexing and absorption of impacts, bumps and shock

Patents Pending

 

 

What’s Good:

• Solid quality finish which is what you expect from Otterbox
• Confidence that if you dropped your iPhone you would have a very good chance that it will come out ok
• Less bulk than the Defender & Commuter Series
• A single protective screen is included for the display. Included are: instructions, a cleaning cloth, and a plastic card to drive out the unavoidable bubbles.
• Nice slick tight finish

What’s Bad:

• Not a massive range of colours to choose from. If Otterbox changed this and added many different colour options they would really have a winner on their hands for your average iPhone owner.
• Ports are not protected
• Maybe it’s because of the structural make up of the device they can’t add the circle at the back to view the Apple Logo. I think it would be a nice feature.

Conclusion: Not everybody needs the most durable case in the world i.e. the OtterBox Defender, if you’re not one of those then the Reflex is a thinner, lighter, easier to install option with the same pedigree as the Defender.

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Reflex Series

Company: www.otterbox.com

Compatibility: iPhone 5

List Price: $34.95

Buy Now: www.otterbox.com or amazon.com