First Looks
Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod, iPhone and iPad accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. Here’s what’s hot right now:
Company: Audio-Technica
Website: www.AudioTechnica.com
Model: ATH-CKX9iS
Price: $100
Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, and iPods except iPod shuffle 3G
Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel In-Ear Headphones
Audio-Technica's latest in-ear headphones are its ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel ($100), a hybrid design that wraps silicone rubber around large 13.5mm drivers. They're designed for active use, with rubber stabilizers and ear tips; three sizes of stabilizers are included, along with four standard ear tips and one set of Comply foam tips. A microphone and remote with a volume slider are found on the cabling, and the headphones come with a zippered carrying case.
Spigen SGP Tough Armor for iPad mini
Modeled after the iPhone 5/5s version, Spigen SGP has begun selling Tough Armor for iPad mini ($40). The dual-layer case is composed of a black rubber inner layer, and a black, gold, slate, or silver plastic piece over it. It's a playthrough-style case, offering full button protection, plus air cushions for extra shock absorption. Our initial impression is pretty positive, except for the large, Apple logo-exposing opening on the back.
Company: Heckler Design
Website: www.hecklerdesign.com
Model: Headphone Stand
Price: $29-$49
Compatible: Over-the-Ear Headphones
Heckler Design Headphone Stand for Over-the-Ear Headphones
It's a rare category of accessories, but headphone holders do indeed exist. One year ago, Just Mobile debuted HeadStand, and now Heckler Design has an alternative called Headphone Stand ($29-$49). Made entirely from scraps left over from producing its Windfall Stand, Headphone Stand is a piece of metal with round segments sticking up on either side. They're sized to hold the earcups using only tension, at about the width of a head. Five colors are available at the lower price point, with a polished stainless steel version coming in at a premium.
Company: Candywirez
Website: www.candywirez.com
Models: Lightning Sync and Charge Cable
Price: $26
Compatible: All Lightning-Equipped iPads, iPhones, iPods
Candywirez Lightning Sync and Charge Cable
Lightning cables are all pretty much the same, but once in a while, designs will stand out and may, for some people, justify spending a few more dollars. Candywirez' Lightning Sync and Charge Cable ($26) may just be that for certain users. Coming in five bright colors, the 1.5 meter cable works has chrome-clad housings around the large Lightning and USB plugs. It's not, however, a flat cable, as the company's website says.
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