iLounge

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:

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Company: Native Union

Website: www.Nativeunion.com

Models: MM02

Price: $60

Compatible: iPod touch 2G/3G/4G, iPad/iPad 2, All iPhones

Native Union MM02t

If you think you've seen Native Union's new MM02t ($60) before, that's not a surprise: the core of this new handset is the company's previously-released MM02, which added a modern-looking but traditional handset to Apple's iPhones. New in the MM02t version is a large passive resting area for a tablet, possibly with enough spare room to accommodate an iPhone on the side; this model boasts "two-line" support, with twin retracting cables so that you can take phone calls, Skype, and the like from two devices -- one at a time. While the resting area isn't officially a dock since neither the accessory nor the connected devices receive any wall power, there's a noise-reducing microphone system inside the handset, along with a good speaker, and you can choose from soft touch black or glossy white versions. Another version called MM02u has only a single cable in its passive dock, and will sell for $10 less.

Company: M.Brdz/DMAC

Website: www.Lab-c.co.kr

Model: +D Cases, Home Buttons

Price: 11,900-35,000 Won/$11-$31

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Lab.C / DMAC +D Cases + Home Buttons for iPhone 4/4S

Though we've seen too many iPhone 4 glass bodies damaged by hard plastic shell "cases" to recommend them to our readers, we're otherwise impressed by what Lab.C -- the latest brand from Korea's DMAC International -- has accomplished with its new collection of +D Cases for iPhone 4/4S (~$31). The company has partnered with graphic and textile designers from Europe and Asia to create eye-catching "Global Designer Series" matte-finished cases, each complete with two Home button covers, screen film, and film installation tools; Lab.C offers an app with wallpaper and designer information for the shells. Also unique is the +D Cases' packaging, which includes a protective hard plastic rear tray that can be used as a multifunctional desktop organizer rather than just thrown out. Like most shell-style designs out there, the cases leave the rear camera, top, bottom, and side controls of the iPhone exposed, and offer next to no protection in the event of a drop. Offered separately are several different types of Home Button covers (~$11), including versions from the Global Designers and others from Lab.C itself; the latter gives you "7Days Color" choices if you want to change the color of your device's Home Button every day of the week. We're not sure whether you'll spot these products outside of their native country, but it's obvious that DMAC is coming up with increasingly international designs -- hopefully it will use some of these neat pieces of art for more protective cases.

Company: Yofo

Website: www.yofo.co

Model: Yofo

Price: $20

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPod classics, iPod touches, and iPod nanos 1G-5G

Yofo Yofo SmartGrip

We were introduced to Yofo ($20) at this year's International CES, a unique cord managing accessory from the company of the same name. Available individually in either black or white, the spool-shaped rubber item is composed of two suction cups with a stem connecting them in the middle. The idea is to attach one of the cups to the back of your device, and then use Yofo in a variety of ways -- to provide a better grip during one handed use, a hands-free shoulder cradle, a viewing stand, a headphone wrap, and more. Included with each Yofo is a pair of stickers designed to provide an even better grip on irregular surfaces as well as the iPhone 4 and 4S.

Company: Luxa2

Website: www.Luxa2.com

Model: Carbon Camber, Lille

Price: $25-$53

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Luxa2 Carbon Camber + Lille for iPhone 4/4S

Luxa2 showed off a handful of its iPhone 4/4S cases at the 2012 International CES, and of the bunch, Carbon Camber ($53) and Lille ($25) both stuck out. The first is a hard plastic case that's reinforced with real carbon fiber under a raised layer of clear plastic -- an interesting change from the numerous faux carbon fiber cases we've seen in the past. Instead of a flat back, this case has a raised rear surface to provide a more comfortable grip. On the other hand, it doesn't provide any button or port protection, as the top and bottom edges are both fully exposed, as is the left side from the side switch to the volume buttons. Lille is even more unique: it's set up as a folio style case with a synthetic plastic exterior. Instead of a proper case, however, it holds the iPhone's back in place with adhesive that lines the inside of the right side. The front cover -- which can be held shut with a magnetic flap -- has openings for the earpiece as well as the portion of the display that shows the caller ID and "Slide to Answer" message, meaning frequent phone users can answer phone calls without having to open the lid. Again, there's no button or port coverage, and unfortunately, this one leaves the Apple logo exposed. While neither of these cases is strictly mainstream, each design has some interesting ideas on how to appeal to specific niches of iPhone 4/4S users.