March 04, 2013

Linkase Improves Your iPhone 5's WiFi Reception, Internet Speeds

March 04, 2013/ Nir Schneider

If you're having WiFi problems I feel bad for you son, let Linkase boost your iPhone 5's WiFi reception using a slide-out antenna. Granted using something like the Linkase seems absurd, and it is. But if you can't improve your WiFi reception where ever it is you spend your time, then it might not be that bad using this sleek and ultra-slim snap-on case with a good looking slider antenna.

Absolute Technology's Linkase is a normal, well designed polycarbonate protective case with a nice smooth rubbery matte finish you would use on a daily basis. It works using EMW technology (Electro Magnetic Waveguide) to improve signal performance by as much as 50% when the integrated and user replaceable EMW antenna module is extended out from the back of the case. No power is used nor required. The EMW antenna works much like NFC and is positioned driects over the iPhone 5's built-in WiFi antenna where it supposedly wiressly transfers WiFi data.

February 21, 2013

Deff Cleave Aero iPhone 5 Bumper Designed In Japan To Look Awesome

February 21, 2013/ Nir Schneider

What's this? A new and slightly more improved Deff Cleave aluminum bumper case, a.k.a the Draco 5 in North America. It's an unreleased Japanese model that'll soon be available world wide. The Cleave Aero by Deff is the same three-dimensional and insanely curvy CNC machined aluminum bumper as the Draco 5, with one difference in that it features a TPU bumper on the inside that'll provide better shock-absorption and complete isolation from metal on metal contact. Each Cleave Aero comes with one red and one gray thin inner TPU bumper that you can see forms a parameter around the front and back sides of the iPhone 5 while also serving as the Aero's volume and power buttons. Gone are the integrated metal buttons and the silent switch. Deff claims the new design of the Aero will not interfere with signal reception.

It's an interesting new look for the Cleave and soon to be Draco Aero that will let users color-customize their bumper straight out of the box. There will only be two color options including a white colored Aero called the Luxury that features a glossy powder-coat finish that closely resembles that of a car's paint finish, and a matte anodized black Aero dubbed the Dark Knight. As for price, the Aero will go for around $90 when released in North America.

February 21, 2013

Element Case's Soft-Tec iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 Wallet Case Now Out

February 21, 2013/ Nir Schneider

Known for its machined aluminum cases, Element Case's new Soft-Tec line of synthetically-made cases for the iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 and the iPad mini are finally available for purchase. We first reported on the Soft-Tec cases back in January where Element Case first debut its new offerings at CES 2013. The company has released a $50 Soft-Tec wallet case for both the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 which is made using a new non-slip, grippy rubber material from Element Case called Tech Grip. The supposedly high-tech material is a coating with a matte rubbery finish made to enhance the grip and feel of the case. We've seen a similar material used in the TidyTilt iPhone cover.

Element Case's Soft-Tec case has a slim protective profile with two card slots located on the inner flap. The Soft-Tec wallet case also features a magnetic closure and an embedded snap-on polycarbonate hard shell that can be folded into a horizontal viewing stand much like Twelve South's SurfacePad cover.

We can't help but think about how this case opens almost like an old-school Velcro wallet, with lots of excess flap left to deal with while you're using your device Luckily, there's an earpiece cutout to enable you to talk on the phone whilst the Soft-Tec's flap remains closed. Both Soft-Tec models for Apple's and Samsung's handsets are designed exaclty the same, while Element Case's $65 Soft-Tec case for the iPad mini understandably leaves out the credit card slots.

February 06, 2013

Wally. A Reimagined iPhone Wallet.

February 06, 2013/ Jed Wu

Don’t like carrying so much in your pockets when you go out? Look to the Wally iPhone wallet to help you out. Most iPhone cases on the market that dual function as a wallet are bulky and limit access to your phone. Wally is a slim, stick-on leather pocket that fits on the back of your iPhone via micro suction instead of glue or magnets. It uses a discreet pull-tab to accommodate 3 cards and is handcrafted with premium Italian leather in the USA. The Wally comes in black and brown and works for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5. Funding is already at more than double the original goal and starts at $40 on Kickstarter.

February 06, 2013

Casemachine Forza, i5 Slimline iPhone 5 Cases Meld Aluminum With TPU

February 06, 2013/ Nir Schneider

A newly formed premium case brand called Casemachine, formally known as Atomic Industries, has a few bold hybrid aluminum cases out for the iPhone 5 that managed to catch our attention. Things didn't work out all that much under its previous venture, but it seems like Casemachine is off to a great start with two of its latest iPhone 5 offerings, which are deeply inspired by high-performance cars and promise no signal degradation despite having the qualities of aluminum and genuine carbon fiber elements in their construction. And if you're a Galaxy S3 owner, there's also a little something for you too.

The first is called the i5 Slimline (above), an ultra-slim, 0.42-inch thick aluminum hybrid case that sports a sleek profile and features a screw-less design and integrated machined volume, power and silent switch buttons. A high-impact TPU interior frame adds shock-absorption protection while an anodized aluminum band gives the case its signature premium look, and ergonomic grip. The i5 Slimline offers a choice of either a carbon fiber or Alcantara (a type of suede used in exotic sports cars) backplate. You'll be glad to know that the i5 Slimline case costs a modest $50. That'll show Element Case.

Casemachine's second iPhone 5 offering is called the Forza, a user customizable aluminum hybrid case with a unique angular shape that'll make your iPhone 5 look more like a Motorola Razr Maxx. The Forza is slightly more expensive at $70, and its hybrid construction which shares an uncanny resemblance with that of the Atomic Hybrid C bumper we once reviewed. It features an interchangeable aluminum side rail available in multiple anodized color options, a standard black polycarbonate frame and a shock-absorbing TPU liner. The Forza includes a silver or black carbon fiber backplate of your choice, while an Alcantara and a unique Dimensional polycarbonate backplates are sold individually.

Casemachine's i5 Slimline and Forza cases can be pre-ordered now in many different colors, and will start to ship on March 20. Sadly, all Casemachine has to show at this time are poorly presented renders of its iPhone 5 cases. Albeit, we have gotten a hold of a few images showing the Forza and i5 Slimline prototypes, so be sure to check those out down below.

February 05, 2013

Spigen's Slim Armor Color Cases Look Deliciously Awesome

February 05, 2013/ Nir Schneider

Thinking about pulling the trigger on one of the three good looking metallic Slim Armor cases available? You might want to hold off if you've got a favorite color other than graphite, silver or slate. Word on the street is that Spigen will soon release a slew of 7 colorful Slim Armor Color cases for the iPhone 5 following the widely popular metallic variants released not long ago. Spigen's new Slim Armor Color series of cases mimic the iPhone 5's dual color tone styling and grainy aluminum texture. The Slim Armor case is a slim drop protective case made up of two types of layers, a matte hard polycarbonate middle shell and a flexible shock-absorbing TPU body. For $18 a pop, who wouldn't want them all? Be on the lookout, these Pantone-flavored cases should hit Spigen's online store any day now.

February 05, 2013

Juice Pack Helium iPhone 5 Battery Case By Mophie

February 05, 2013/ Nir Schneider

The most anticipated iPhone 5 battery case of all has finally arrived. Mophie announced its first iPhone 5 battery case called the Juice Pack Helium. The Helium builds upon the tremendously successful Juice Pack series of iPhone battery cases with a familiar slim (0.59-inch thick), two-piece design featuring a matte metallic finish and a slick curved back. But what's more important is the built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery which nearly doubles the battery life of the iPhone 5.

Like previous versions, the Juice Pack Helium channels the iPhone 5's speaker audio towards the front for better and more direct audio using sound ports. It also has four white LED indicators to help you check up on its battery status and an on/off switch. The iPhone 5's Lightning connector is replaced by a micro-USB port which will let you charge both your iPhone 5 and the Juice Pack Helium simultaneously. Mophie's Juice Pack Helium will begin shipping on February 14, and is now available for pre-order in silver metallic and dark metallic flavors for $80.