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:
Spigen SGP GLAS.t Slim for iPhone 5
The latest entry in Spigen SGP's lineup of glass screen protectors is GLAS.t Slim for iPhone 5 ($28). The idea and pack-ins are mostly the same as with the original iPhone 5 edition; you still get a piece of glass lined with adhesive, plus an alcohol wipe, microfiber cloth, squeegee, and Home Button stickers. New in the package this time are three pieces of film to protect the back of your iPhone. But the biggest improvement is the reduction of the glass' thickness. Now, it's down to 0.26mm, a reduction of 35%, which may improve case compatibility.
Company: Spigen SGP
Website: www.spigen.com
Model: Aluminum Home Button
Price: $10
Compatible: iPad mini, iPod touch 5G
Spigen SGP Aluminum Home Button for iPad mini + iPod touch
Also available in a set made to fit the iPad and iPhone, Spigen SGP's Aluminum Home Button ($10) is set of three swirled aluminum discs made to fit over the Home Button of the iPad mini or iPod touch. You get one red, one black, and one silver disc in the package. The company does warn that the protector can depress your Home Button when used with cases with lids.
iFixit iOpener
Hopefully you never have to open up an iPad, but if you do, iFixit is offering iOpener ($15) as the way to do it. In the set, you get a tubular bean bag -- the iOpener itself -- plus two plastic opening tools, eight guitar picks, and a small suction cup. You stick the bean bag in the microwave, and then lay it on the edge of the tablet to melt the glue. iFixit says you'll be able to pry off the display in about half an hour.
Company: Odoyo
Website: www.odoyo.com
Model: Waterproof Sport Earphones with Remote and Mic
Price: $36
Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPods
Odoyo Waterproof Sport Earphones with Remote and Mic
The accessories we've seen from Odoyo in the past have mostly been cases, but now its lineup is growing to include electronic accessories. Among the new options are the Waterproof Sport Earphones with Remote and Mic ($36, aka EP900i). While we're normally not interested in disposably-priced headphones, this model is appealing because of its unusual resilience claims: Odoyo says it's waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and shockproof, uncommon by earphone standards and particularly rare for an affordable version with an integrated three-button remote and mic. Available in three different colors, the headphones ship with three sizes of rubber eartips, plus a carrying bag.
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