CalypsoKey: NFC-Enabled Leather iPhone 5 Sleeve That Unlocks Doors

Are you angry your iPhone 5 has no built-in NFC like all of the popular smartphones on the block? Fret no more, CalypsoCrystal's new CalypsoCase sleeve integrates two dual-band NFC chips which CalypsoCrystal calls the CalypsoKey feature. Although you wouldn't be able to use any apps to enhance and customize the CalypsoKey, with it you'll be able to unlock any NFC-enabled door locks like the one featured above made by Kaba. The CalypsoCase with CalypsoKey is a $119 luxurious, handcrafted Italian leather iPhone 5 sleeve that comes in a wide array of colors and designs with the added rigidity and protection of a hidden titanium frame.

CalypsoKey is comprised of one 13.56 MHz RFID, ISO 14443A antena with 1k memory capacity and a second 125kHz RFID antena. Compatible with most RFID NFC worldwide access points.

The cool thing about NFC tags is that they require no charging as they draw the little power they require off of your device wirelessly, in this case the iPhone 5. One thing remains a question though. CalypsoCrystal isn't giving you any details on how exactly you'd go about setting up your customized NFC key portoflio. The CalypsoCase with CalypsoKey is available now starting at $119.

SurfacePad, A Razer-Thin Luxurious iPhone 5 Leather Cover

Twelve South's new SurfacePad for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4/S is the company's second incredibly innovative protective handset cover designed as a wafer-thin and lightweight luxurious folio cover that's 1.7mm thick. The SurfacePad wraps around the iPhone à la Smart Cover - keeping it protected from the simple things in life with a minimalist approach. The SurfacePad's low-profile design extenuates the iPhone 5 by covering up less. It adheres to the back of the iPhone using a special adhesive that's strong yet durable enough to allow for numerous re-applications and uses without leaving residue behind.

Twelve South's SurfacePad cover case is made from genuine full-grain Napa leather, and can fold up into a hands-free stand thanks to the built-in stand sewn into the back cover. It also features a rear camera cutout and soft microfiber front cover lining. The SurfacePad for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4/S is now available in red, white and black for $35.

Magpul iPhone 5 Field Case Brings Tactical Magazine Styling To Everyone

Magpul's highly anticipated Field Case for the iPhone 5 got the green light. The tactical case is inspired by Magpul's famous PMAG rifle magazines in that it features the same rib styling which is designed to provide additional grip. Magpul's Field Case for the iPhone 5 is made from a semi-rigid, durable thermoplastic (TPU) material and features a slim protective profile. The iPhone 5 Field Case is known for its bang for your buck bargain pricing of just $13. It'll be available in the coming weeks.

In additional, Magpul will also introduce a more expensive yet similar in style iPhone 5 case called the Bump Case. A $30 case that'll offer more protection than the Field Case with its dual-layer and co-molded construction. It combines a hard protective outer shell with a shock-absorbing interior. Both cases are designed and manufactured in the USA.

Griffin Teams Up With Catalyst, Outs Waterproof Survivor iPhone 5 Case

Remember the EscapeCapsul waterproof case by a company called Catalyst we reported about long ago? Probably not. Well, as it turns out Griffin decided against developing its own in-house waterproof case, that it would be a fun time joining forces with Catalyst to introduce a new waterproof Survivor case for the iPhone 5. Like the iPhone 4 version, Griffin's Survivor + Catalyst waterproof case is unique thanks to its translucent design and colorful elements. We're big fans of the standard Survivor case for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch so naturally we're excited to see Griffin introduce a co-developed and fully functional waterproof iPhone 5 case that promises to be the easiest to use and submersible down to 10 feet -  yet good enough to be used as a daily driver.

Griffin's tough, drop and water-protective Survivor waterproof case for the iPhone 5 features shock-absorbing interior TPU bumpers, a rigid clear polycarbonate shell and it also includes a wrist lanyard. It'll come in four colors for $80 when it becomes available at the end of January.

TakTik Extreme, Strike iPhone 5 Cases Make The Toughness Grade

Following up on its TakTik case for the iPhone 4S, LunaTik had plans to release an iPhone 5 equivalent and now it revealed the details of not one, but two extremely tough and innovative TakTik cases for the iPhone 5. The TakTik Strike is designed to encase your iPhone 5 under drop and impact protective layers using LunaTik's unique 9mm thick silicone truss suspension housed inside a steel-bolted, high-impact ballistic polymer bezel. It also features a weapon safety switch-inspired built-in silent switch, silicone covered buttons, hydrophobic membranes that protect the audio ports from water and dust - including water and dust-resistant sealed aluminum ports plugs which are said to be easily accessible.

It has it all. But if that's not enough protection for you, then the $125 TakTik Extreme (below) takes all of that and adds a Gorilla Glass 2 screen protection built into the bezel providing additional shatter protection without compromising touchscreen sensitivity in case your iPhone 5 gets dropped down a cliff when you go mountain climbing. At CES 2013, LunaTik also announced a less extreme and more of an every-day iPhone 5 case called the Seismik Suspension Frame which is based on the silicone truss system featured in the TakTik series at $35. LunaTik did not talk about the expected release date for its new iPhone 5 case lineup.