
This Week In Accessories: Grace Digital Encore, Zagg Arsenal Case And More
by Brent Dirks
February 21, 2014
In this week’s look at some of the latest and greatest iOS accessories to hit the market, we’re featuring a rugged iPhone 5s/5 case, an out-of-the-ordinary waterproof speaker, and more.
Offering both a 3-inch tweeter and 4-inch woofer, the new Grace Digital Encore tabletop speaker uses built-in Wi-Fi to connect to more than 50,000 free Internet radio stations and content from pay services like SiriusXM, Rhapsody, and Live365. Users can save up to 100 favorite stations directly on the speaker for quick access.
If you’re allergic to mornings, the speaker can be programmed with up to seven separate alarms. Heavy sleepers should also enjoy the large snooze bar and adjustable sleep timer. With the companion app, available to download in the App Store now, users can control the speaker directly from their iOS device.
While the speaker retails for $249.99, you can snag one on Amazon.com now for $209.89.
Designed to compete with the OtterBox Defender and other rugged cases, the Zagg Arsenal for the iPhone 5s/5 features both a soft inner core and a harder outer shell. Zagg says the included screen protector is four times stronger than glass and maintains precise touchscreen sensitivity.
Available in six color choices – white, red, pink, navy blue, pastel blue, and black – the case can be purchased now from Zagg’s site for $49.99.
New Trent is back with another affordable keyboard case. The AirBender Pro for the iPad Air features complete rugged protection for the tablet along with a full Bluetooth keyboard. With the multi-position stand, users can place their iPad Air in either portrait or landscape orientation. The case itself, with a hard inner clamshell and rubber outer shell, protects the tablet from water, dirt, and shock.
The case retails for a very reasonable $79.95 and is available on New Trent's site or Amazon.com.
If you’re like me and always looking for a nice accessory to organize and simplify the space around any desktop monitor or laptop, the Satechi F1 looks to be a reasonably priced choice. With four integrated USB 2.0 ports, users can connect any iOS device, or other USB-based electronics. Also featuring two integrated audio ports for microphones and headphones, the stand can hold up to 22 pounds of weight.
The stand is available at Satechi's site and Amazon.com for $29.99.
It’s not exactly a problem I’ve ever run into, but with the new Gator Sound from Pyle Audio you can answer phone calls, along with listening to music, while in the shower. The lightweight Bluetooth speaker is completely waterproof in up to 3.3 feet of water. And with the built-in plastic hook, it can be quickly hung on a showerhead. The battery can provide up to 25 hours of music playback before needing to be recharged. Along with providing push control connection to almost any Bluetooth device, the front panel offers power, volume, track, and call controls.
The black version of the speaker can be purchased for $53.47 from Amazon.com now.
Grace Digital Encore

Zagg Arsenal for the iPhone 5s/5

AirBender Pro for the iPad Air from New Trent

Satechi F1 Monitor Stand

Gator Sound from Pyle Audio
