accessories - 2/5 - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Dec

PadPivot Review: The Best Tablet Stand Around That's Designed Primarily To Sit On Your Knee

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Accessories, Reviews

While the boom in the tablet market has certainly seen a gold rush from manufacturers eager to capitalize on the new craze (whether it be with Android or Windows RT), there's an equally-eager market that's attempting to cash in: accessories. Some of them are great, some are bafflingly weird. The PadPivot probably sits somewhere in between. This little thing is designed to fold up and easily slip into a pocket or purse. When you need it, you can unfold it, set it up, and prop your tablet on a makeshift stand that fits comfortably on your knee.

So, it's as normal and useful as a thing can be that's designed primarily to be used by your lower thigh.

Nov

Samsung Announces Protective Flip Cover Multicolor Bundles For Galaxy S III And Galaxy Note II

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III, News

Remember that odd plastic piece on the back of the Nexus 10? You could remove the part and replace it with a smart cover that remains physically attached to your device. Well, if you've wanted that same action on your Galaxy S III or Note II, now's your chance. Samsung's protective flip covers are going on sale.

Much like on the Nexus 10, these accessories will require that a part be entirely replaced in favor of an always-attached case. Only this time, it's the battery cover. As you can see in the pictures above, this flip cover is embedded in the rear of the phone and folds over to cover the screen.

Nov

Andru Dark Edition Android-Themed USB Charger Now Available For $25 [Updated: More Photos]

Posted by Jeremiah Rice in Accessories, News

There are many ways to show your support for Android beyond your device itself, and some of them are even tasteful. If you've bought every Bugdroid-sporting case, T-shirt and bumper sticker, there's just one thing left: a green robot Micro-USB charger. Of course, the Android mascot's ubiquitous shade of green isn't for everybody, so Andru creators Gen have been preparing a darker version to match your ebony desk and jet-black monitors.

The Andru Dark Edition is available for purchase now for $25 plus shipping. It's got the same posable arms and antennae, stand and cable as the original in a matte black finish.

Nov

Nexus 4 Bumper Cases Show Up On The Play Store For $19.99, Will Be 'Coming Soon'

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in News, Nexus 4

The Nexus 4 launches tomorrow on the Play Store and it's sure to be a great day for Android fans everywhere. Of course, this will also be the first time that a Nexus device will have glass on both sides of the handset and traditional cases that cover the rear would make all that sleek engineering pointless. Fortunately, Google has you covered (I'm so sorry). A neat-looking bumper case has just shown up on the Play Store and will protect your $300+ investment for an extra $20.

The case actually looks pretty dang slick and fits in with the design of the Nexus 4 rather well.

Oct

MOGA Controller Review: This Is How You Build An Android Controller, But Not How You Program One

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Accessories, Reviews

Touchscreens have allowed a whole new era of innovation in mobile gaming and so far it's been pretty great. Sometimes, though, you just need buttons. There are a variety of companies out there trying to create the right solution and this isn't even the first review I've done on a third-party controller. With a unique grip to hold your smartphone, though, this one actually seemed like it stood a fighting chance of not disappearing into the nearest drawer. Of course, hardware is rarely the real problem for Android controllers, is it? But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The Good

Decent size.

Oct

Woxom Slingshot Review: Is It Enough For Video Amateurs?

Posted by Matt Demers in Accessories, Reviews

Last Updated: October 15th, 2012

When I initially got my hands on a Woxom Slingshot, I couldn't have been more excited: finally, I could put the video camera on my phone to good use, since I wouldn't have to put up with wobbly images any more. Having just upgraded to a new camera, however, I found myself a bit perplexed: I mean, if I have better hardware on me right now, what use is this thing?

Therein lies the answer: because it's portable, useful and universal, it can provide a number of functions that would otherwise be fulfilled by other devices. It won't do those functions as well as those devices, but when the inspiration strikes and you need to film something right now, it's invaluable.

Sep

What We Use: The Apps, Tools, Devices, And Other Stuff Eric Can't Do Without

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in What We Use Series

Last Updated: October 8th, 2012

I use stuff. A lot of stuff. That's what being a tech blogger is all about, right? Using technology to talk about technology. Well, David and Cameron have already pulled back the curtain to show you how they make the magic happen. Now it's my turn!

The Hardware

My Desktop

There is no other way to describe my desktop than "my desktop." This is my workhorse and the centerpiece of my digital life. It's been steadily upgraded over the last 15 years and always by my own hand. I've never even owned a pre-built tower. It currently houses an i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and around 2.5TB of storage, between three hard drives.

Aug

More Leaked Nexus 7 Accessories Surface, Including A Rotating Stand Case, Bluetooth Keyboard Case And More

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Accessories, News, Nexus 7

British gadget site Mobile Fun has some fantastic stuff for us to drool over today. After seeing some premium Nexus 7 accessories just a couple days ago, these new leaked photos show us even more Nexus 7 accessories including (brace yourself) a rotating stand case. In case those words don't make sense to your brain when placed together, here's how it works: it's a protective case that can turn into either a landscape or portrait stand. This is kind of awesome.

Is that not enough for you? Well, there's plenty more where that came from. If you prefer to use your Nexus 7 solely in landscape mode (we'll just assume you're not using the stock interface; to each his own), there will be a landscape-only case/stand along the same vein as one for the Xoom.

Jul

Leaked Slides Reveal Premium Nexus 7 Accessories: POGO Dock, Premium Leather Case And More Colors On The Way

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in News, Nexus 7

Since the Nexus 7 was originally announced, we knew that there were more accessories on the way. For starters, the device has four pogo pins that don't match any currently available accessories. Well, now we're getting a first look at the next batch of extras. For starters, there's a landscape multimedia dock that will be available for $49.99, and will be able to charge the device as well as transmit audio output via a 3.5mm plug. The slides say the dock should be available "Week34 (08/24)", which could mean on August 24th, or at least within that week.

If covers were more your thing, we're also looking at a variety of cases that aren't currently available.

Jul

[Review] Solid Gray Polypropylene Backpack: So This Is What A Hermit Crab Feels Like

Posted by Cameron Summerson in News, Other Reviews

A good backpack plays an important role in the life of a geek. It's a catchall and a safe haven for gadgets. While we've looked at a very good traditional backpack once before, today we're going to look at one that is anything but traditional: the Solid Gray backpack.

It doesn't take an eagle-eye to notice that the Solid Gray is quite unlike other backpacks. In fact, the only similarity between the Solid Gray and a traditional backpack is that they both go on your back. Aside from that, this is a whole new beast.