This Week In Accessories: Withings Pulse, PocketPlug And More
by Brent Dirks
June 28, 2013
Welcome back to This Week in Accessories. For this edition, we’re highlighting three accessories that can help you make the most of any iOS device this summer.
Withings Pulse
Count Withings in on the activity tracker race. The company has just introduced the Pulse. Standing out from the crowd, the clip-on device features both heart rate measurement and automatic run detection along with the usual tracking of steps taken, distance covered, elevation, calories burned, and quality of sleep.
Using low-energy Bluetooth technology, the Pulse will sync with the free Withings Health Mate app to display all the relevant data in real time. The device weighs just eight grams and is 1.69 inches long. The OLED touch screen on the front allows user to navigate through the screens and examine a 14-day history of the collected data.
The built-in heart rate sensor is located on the back of the Pulse. Users place their finger on the sensor to take a reading.
Since the Pulse isn’t a bracelet like the Nike+ Fuelband or Fitbit Flex, sleep tracking requires using the included wristband. After a night’s sleep, users can view precise sleep patterns and see how the amount of physical activity affects slumber.
Another plus, the Pulse can go up to two weeks without being charged. A Power Save mode allows an extra 24 hours of battery life by turning the screen off. The device is charged with a standard micro-USB cable.
The Pulse retails for $99.95 and can be purchased directly through Withings’ site.
PocketPlug from Prong
Making a quick jump from Kickstarter to general availability, the PocketPlug from Prong combines an iPhone 5 case with a wall charger. The flat-folding plugs on the back of the case can be deployed and retracted with just one finger. And if you’re not near a wall outlet, use a micro-USB cable to charge the phone.
The case is also designed to enhance both the iPhone’s speakers and microphone by redirecting sound to the front of PocketPlug for louder and clearer audio.
Available in black or white, you can order the PocketPlug on Prong’s site for $69.99.
ECOROX Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker from ECOXGEAR
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that will go absolutely anywhere, ECOXGEAR has nice option with its new ECOROX Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. The speaker is IPX7-approved and 100 percent waterproof to withstand drops, dunks, and any outdoor elements. And if you ever drop the speaker in the water, it is designed to float right back up to the top. With a detachable carabineer clip and standard bottom screw mount, the speaker can be attached to almost anything. Along with up to a 10-hour battery life, a waterproof mic enables music lovers to take phone calls as well.
Buttons on top of the speaker control volume, power, pairing, skip, play, pause, and the speakerphone.
The ECOROX speaker is available at Apple Stores across the United States and Canada now. It retails for $129.99 and comes in three different color choices – red, orange, and black.
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