Accessories

How many times have you played a really sweet game on an Android or iOS device, but found yourself wishing for better controls?

Because, let's face it, some games really suffer when your thumbs block the screen, or when you don't get any tactile feedback. Tapping glass is a far cry from mashing buttons.

Enter ThinkGeek's iCade 8-Bitty, a mobile version of ThinkGeek's iCade gaming cabinet, an iPad-only accessory that started out as an April Fool's Day joke.

The retro-styled 8-Bitty pays homage to the original Nintendo NES D-pad controller, but tethers to your smartphone … Read more

Kids and iPads go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Unfortunately, kids are often covered in chocolate and peanut butter, meaning your very expensive tablet may end up the same way.

Likewise, rugrats don't have the best motor skills, so there's a good chance your very expensive tablet will go crashing to the floor on more than one occasion.

A good case can help, but most of them offer only basic protection -- not the kind of heavy-duty armor that can thwart a toddler. For that, check out the Clumsy Case.

Wrapping the iPad in soft foam, the … Read more

First off, a PSA: If you'd like links to the weekly Crave giveaway (plus other giveaway goodness such as hints and winners' names) beamed to your Facebook feed, please hit the shiny new Subscribe button at the base of my bio below this story. Pause for button press...

OK, now that you've done that, congrats to Stephanie D. of Saint James, Mo., for winning a custom-designed CNET-branded Timbuk2 bag in last week's giveaway!

For this week's prize: Have you ever looked at your iPad and wished it were a MacBook? Well, a Crux360 for iPad 3 … Read more

Whenever Apple brings out a new iPod Touch, the specs never quite measure up to the latest iPhone's, though the Touch is a good deal lighter and thinner. In the case of the new fifth-generation iPod Touch, you get an A5 processor instead of an A6 and the camera isn't as good as the iPhone 5's camera (though it has improved quite a bit).

Alas, iPod Touch buyers should also note that while Apple has included its new EarPods, they're missing a small but important feature: the inline remote with integrated microphone found on the iPhone … Read more

Most iPhone cases serve exactly one purpose: to protect your iPhone.

Occasionally you find one that can pull kickstand duty as well, or perhaps open a beer bottle or add a tripod mount.

Pbbblllttt. Indiegogo project ReadyCase offers seven handy tools in one iPhone case. It's already well past the $15,000 goal the developers set, so now you just need to decide if you want to get one for an early-bird price.

Despite measuring just 3mm thick, the ReadyCase includes a removable USB flash drive (8GB or 16GB), a removable multitool (with standard and serrated blades, a flat-head … Read more

The much-rumored iPad Mini may not be here yet, but screen accessories are already popping up.

Known for its mobile device cases and similar products, Zagg is selling a $24.99 screen protector for Apple's allegedly upcoming tiny tablet. Noting that the screen protector is "coming soon," Zagg touts it as a "precision pre-cut invisibleShield" that provides "the toughest, most durable protection you will find."

To back up its claim, Zagg offers a lifetime guarantee on the product, promising to replace it for free should it wear or scratch. Zagg also kicks in … Read more

iPhone 5 owners who ordered one of the new Lightning to 30-pin adapters may soon have one in hand.

Apple has just starting shipping the adapter, say MacRumors readers who received e-mail notices from the company. The users chiming in so far all appear to be from Australia, but presumably buyers in other countries will be on the shipping list as well.

Apple's accessories page shows the adapter as available to ship in October, while one MacRumors reader said the e-mail notice pointed to a delivery day of October 9.

The new adapter is a requirement for iPhone 5 … Read more

Apple reportedly wants approval over any manufacturer making Lightning accessories, but that move could delay their availability to consumers.

Citing "multiple reliable sources," iLounge reports that Apple recently made "significant changes" to its its MFi policy. Short for made for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, MFi certification is needed by third-party manufacturers that want the Apple seal of approval on their products.

Going forward, only facilities certified by Apple will be allowed to make accessories for the new Lightning interface, including those of third party companies. The only problem? Sources reportedly told iLounge that Apple has yet … Read more

Ever since we started using the iPhone 5, we've either been carting the Lightning-to-USB cable around or had to go out and buy a spare.

Those pesky cables, however, have a tendency to get tangled in our bags, as well as cause a mess on our desks, so we were intrigued when we spotted the Spixi from New York-based Escargot on Kickstarter. … Read more