Welcome back to This Week in Accessories. Accessory makers have been working at full force creating new companions for the iPhone 5 and other iOS devices. Here’s a look at some of our top picks.
Custom Lego iPhone 5 Dock
The iPhone 5 hasn’t been kind to dock lovers. Right before the introduction of the new handset last month, Apple announced it wouldn’t be producing an official version. And third-party manufacturers have been left to pick up the slack.
While we’ve filled you in on a
nice dock you can buy now and
an interesting unauthorized version, the Daily Brick’s solution wins by a mile. The U.K. site has posted instructions on how you can build your own customized version with 42 Lego bricks. Yes, I said Legos.
The DIY version is tilted at a slight angle and features Lego grills to let sound out just below the iPhone’s speaker. Clips will hold the Lightning cord firmly inside the dock. Users will be able to dock and undock their phone with just one hand.
Along with offering the building instructions for free, the site is also selling all the necessary Lego pieces
for around $19. You must provide your own Lightning cable. A white and black version is available. I have one word for this: sold.
Ecoxbt
While we’ve previously taken a look at some
rugged wireless Bluetooth speakers, the new Ecoxbt from Ecoxgear is unique. The speaker is 100 percent waterproof and fully submersible. But thankfully, it will float and can be retrieved easily with integrated side handles.
With an IPX7 rating, the Ecoxbt held up to being submerged under one meter of water for 30 minutes with no leaks. Along with a built-in rechargeable battery that can provide up to 10 hours of music, the speaker also has a waterproof microphone for speakerphone capability.
Available in red, orange, and black, the 1.5-pound Ecoxbt is $129.99 and can be ordered directly through
Ecoxgear’s site.
Cushi
Even though it’s not a full case, the Cushi from id America does look like an inexpensive choice for iPhone 5 owners looking to protect their handsets without a lot of extra-added bulk.
The Cushi is a rubber sticker that applies to the back of the iPhone 5 to protect against shocks and scratches. Available in a wide variety of interesting designs, the Cushi also comes with a clear protector for the screen and six home button protectors.
It is $14.99 and can be ordered directly
through id America.
What You Might Have Missed…
LifeProof Case For The iPhone 5 Expected Within The Next Month
Fans of LifeProof will have to wait a little longer for an iPhone 5 case.
RHA Entering North American Market With Reasonably Priced Headphones, Earphones
British audio company RHA is officially entering the North American market with an inexpensive set of earphones and on-ear headphones exclusively at Apple Stores. Look for a review of both soon.
Snap Spot: Improve Your iPhone Photos And Videos With The SlingShot Phone Grip And Tripod
Juli Clover takes a look at the inexpensive SlingShot that helps improve your iPhone photography.
Halloween Fun Comes Early As iHelicopters.net Releases iPhone-Controlled Insects
Have a little extra fun this Halloween or any time of the year with your own iPhone-controlled insect.
Product Review: Cut The Cord With The BackBeat GO Wireless Earbuds
The lightweight BackBeat GO earbuds from Plantronics do a nice job providing wireless Bluetooth audio from an iOS device.
