July 31, 2010

Better iPhone Gaming with the Marware Game Grip

Remember the little joystick you could buy for the old ‘house-brick’ Nokia phones that meant playing Snake was that little bit easier? Well now there’s a similar device for the iPhone and iPod Touch — the Marware Game Grip.

The Game Grip is made from high grade silicone and fits around the iPhone/iPod Touch to give a similar feel to a console controller. The grip has a unique cord management system (pictured below) that allows you to have your device connected to your computer/charger and also use your headphones whilst playing. The silicone sleeve can also be used as standalone protection for your device when not gaming.

This will be a great aid to many iPhone gamers who stuggle to play for long periods of time because of the size of the device. I know from spending too long on Cro-Mag Rally that after a while, your hands can start to cramp and go stiff. The Game Grip certainly looks as if it will relieve those problems and provide comfortable gaming.

The Marware Game Grip costs $49.99 and is compatible with iPhone 3G, and iPod Touch 2G with a special spacer insert. If you’re purchasing direct from Marware, it’s available in the US only.

Replacement iPhone Adapters Arriving Early for Some

Apple has started shipping the replacement iPhone 3G power adapters ahead of schedule. The exchange program (details here) had claimed that the adapters would be available starting today, but as of a day or so ago, some customers already reported receiving theirs. The new adapters are arriving in fully-padded packaging to protect against damage.

Customers that did not receive an SMS message from Apple via AT&T are still eligible for the recall. That is, if they don’t already possess the updated version. The good version has a green dot on the face of the adapter with protruding prongs. The faulty version has no dot.

[ Source ]

Running Low on Power? Try the iPhone 3G Emergency Battery

One of the big issues I have with the current iPhone 3G is the lack of replacement battery. The battery is inside the unit, and you’re never getting it out. Tough beans if you want to pop in a new battery… At least that’s what I thought until I came across this little ditty.

The folks at more-thing.com (weird name I know) have what they call a rechargeable ‘replacement battery’ that you simply plug into your iPhone at any time for that quick power fix.

Part of the sales pitch from more-thing:

3 hours of additional talking time

We’ve custom-designed the Emergency Battery for use with the iPhone 3G, testing it thoroughly to ensure full compatibility and a maximum lifespan. Powered with 1000mAh and rechargeable by USB cable, the Emergency Battery is going to provide you with 3 hours of additional talking time, or 40% of the iPhone 3G’s original battery capacity – more than enough to get you through the day! Now you can finally make use of your iPhone 3G’s feature palette without the fear of draining your battery too quickly. Thanks to the Emergency Battery, it’s time to stop worrying and enjoy what your iPhone 3G has to offer!

Lightweight, portable and fully supports the iPhone 3G

As one of the Emergency Battery’s main areas of use is in travel situations, we’ve paid special attention to making it as lightweight and portable as possible, building in a custom-tailored clipset to fully support the iPhone 3G. Judging by the result – the Emergency Battery weighs in at just 40g, with dimensions of 61×52x12mm – we can clearly say that we’ve been successful. This goes for ease of use as well: With simple plug & play, you’ll have your iPhone 3G ready to be used again within seconds.

Our Emergency Battery is the ideal solution to your battery problems – no matter whether you’re on the road, or depend on your iPhone 3G at work. It is a simple, yet amazingly useful accessory that is going to take your iPhone experience to new heights.

Very cool, wouldn’t you say? I haven’t pulled the trigger and bought one of these things yet, but boy, I could sure see myself using one of these things from time to time.

For more info, or to pick one up for only $29.90 USD, click here.

Nike+ Finally Gets Me Off My Butt… And On the Road!

You might remember my post from back in August, where I finally got off my butt and purchased a pair of Nike+ shoes. Well, it’s taken me another month, but I finally got out of my office chair to go for a run today at lunch… and I have to say, I enjoyed it.

The Nike+ kind of made it fun. While I’m only familiar with the basics of the Nike+ system so far, it kept track of my pace, distance and time, and I checked this often during my run. I managed to cover 4km today, and felt pretty darn good when I got back to the office here to get back to work.

When I returned I simply plugged my nano into my MacBook Pro, and all of my run data was automatically uploaded to the Nike+ site, where I can view, manage and analyse my runs… Plus do all sorts of other cool things.

My question for you all is this. Would anyone be interested in starting up a Mactropolis.com Nike+ Running Group? It would be mighty easy for us to start up a new forum in our forums, and it would be a great way for all of us to get up and get active…and support each other. I’ve had enough of this sitting behind a desk… A nice run or jog (pronounced ‘yog’… kidding) goes a long way for all of us. What do you say? Who wants to join me?

Apple Announces Recall on Ultracompact USB Adapter

Apple has announced an exchange program for their Ultracompact USB adapter. This adapter came with all iPhone 3G’s and is sold as a stand alone product. The countries under affect by this recall are as follows: US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama.

According to Apple’s support article“Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.

In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.”

Apple has stated that the new adapters will have a green dot on them to make them easily recognizable from the defective units. Users affected by this recall can order a replacement adapter here or at their local Apple store starting October 10th.

Louis Vuitton iPhone Case

Have you got alot of money to throw around? Do you like really ugly, over-priced fashion?
…Then the new Louis Vuitton iPhone Case is for you!

The Louis Vuitton bags are just as insanely popular as the iPhone is, I guess its only natural that Louis V made a shiny new case to slip your brand new iPhone into. The case features the LV stamp and monograms on a stylish camouflage fabric.  I’m sure Kanye West will be sporting this one in the coming weeks.

At $280 US, I have to say this is probably the ugliest iPhone accessory I’ve ever seen.

Magnesium Protection Case for MacBook & MacBook Pro From Decocases

Have you just brought a new MacBook or MacBook Pro and want to keep it looking like new? Would you like to keep it free from scratches and dings? Decocases have just debut their line of magnesium protection cases for the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

The Alu-Magnesium metal cases feature not only strong protection for your MacBook but heat reduction technology to keep the device cool. The case allows the user to use the MacBook without removing it from the case while having full access to all of the MacBook’s functions. Fully lined with neoprene, the aluminum case protects your system when on the go. Neoprene lining cushions your mac while preventing scratches. Rubberized feet prevent slipping on smooth surfaces. There is also a removable strap system which easily slides into a backpack or carry-on when strap is removed.

Unlike plastic or leather cases that may trap the heat of your MacBook, Decocases claim that their line of cases is the only that prevents the MacBook from overheating, keeping the whole area cool.

The cases are available in three sizes: MacBook, MacBook Pro 15″, MacBook Pro17″. They cost around $100-$150. For more information or to buy, click here.

Designers Once Again ‘Milking’ the Apple Look

The Designers\' Workspace from \'Milk\'Yesterday, I commented on a portable classroom design that seemed to be heavily influenced by the iPod. Today however I’ve found a product which not only seems to be influenced by the same chic Apple design but is also made for Apple users.

Its called MILK.

A 51×31 inch desk designed specifically as a personalized work space for lovers of Macs, MacBooks, Ipods and all other Apple accessories. A fully functional, fully personalized work station, made specifically to match your Mac.

The desk was designed by Holmris Hasen of Scandinavia not for commercial or business use but as a personal desk for himself. “I needed a desk that was simple but never boring. Smart but never overly sophisticated. I wanted a desk that was worth falling for.”

Since then however MILK has matured and is now being sold online. You can now buy your own MILK workstation direct from the Milkman with all the bells and whistles to make your home office, a Mac home office.

The Milk Workstation

The Milk Workstation With Aquarium

Apple Getting Sued… Again.

Apple and CBS Getting Sued by Man and MachineMan and Machine (M&M) makes waterproof computer accessories targetted at hospitals and labs. They’ve decided to file a lawsuit against Apple and CBS for their use of the term ‘Mighty Mouse’. Apple as we well know uses the term to describe the popular computer mouse, while CBS uses it for a cartoon character.

The suit has bee filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland. M&M has said both Apple and CBS are infringing on its Mighty Mouse trademark. CBS and M&M had already been battling over the trademark, but Apple was just now brought into the frey because it licensed the use of the term from CBS (I didn’t know that, did you?).

M&M has stated it is cool with CBS using the trademark for its cartoon and clothing products. However, the big beef M&M has is that CBS has applied for a trademark for the term as it relates to a computer mouse…and the date of application is later than that of M&M.

A snippet from the lawsuit:

“Because of Apple’s size, fame and large advertising budget, Apple’s use of the Mighty Mouse trademark has and will continue to overwhelm M&M’s use of its Mighty Mouse trademark and will cause M&M to lose the value of that trademark…”

I can certainly understand M&M’s problem here. Good for them for taking Apple and CBS on. M&M is seeking damages, attorney fees, interest and costs.

[via MacWorld UK]

C.E.O. Envi MacBook Air Case From Marware

CEO Envi for the MacBook Pro from MarwareMarware has introduced a brand new case for the MacBook Air. The C.E.O Envi Case for the MacBook Air (pictured above) is ‘the ultimate in luxury for the MacBook Air’. It is made with top quality leather and has a premium finish. The interior is soft and supple, and will not scratch or damage your MBA. It also comes with a magnetic closure system which is kind of cool. This new case fits snugly around your MBA and provides pretty good protection, especially when throwing your MBA in a bag or briefcase while you travel. The C.E.O. Envi is available for $89.99 from Marware. Expensive, but it is a top quality product.

More product shots below:

The C.E.O. Envi from Marware is Ultra-Slim!

The Hidden Magnetic Closure on the CEO Envi

The CEO Envi Provides Additional Protection for your MacBook Pro