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: Ivyskin

Website: www.ivyskin.com

Model: Wrangler

Price: $60-$70

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Ivyskin Wrangler for iPhone 4/4S

Ivyskin used this year's International CES to make a big splash with the announcement of Wrangler for iPhone 4/4S ($60-$70, aka Wrangler Pro). Designed to compete with the likes of LifeProof Cases' LifeProof, Wrangler is advertised as water proof, dirt proof, snow proof, and shock proof. Made up of polycarbonate, TPU, TPE, metal, and on the premium version carbon fiber, it splits vertically into two pieces with a latch running from the front, over the Dock Connector port, to the back to hold them together. The iPhone's screen is protected by permanently attached film that also covers the camera and sensor, with a special grill that allows one to hear while still protecting the speaker. There's full button coverage and a unique turning mechanism to manipulate the silent switch. Ivyskin is putting the finishing touches on Wrangler, but it should be available in the near future.

Company: id America

Website: idamericany.com

Model: Spark

Price: $60

Compatible: All iPods except shuffle 3G, iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S, All iPads

id America Spark In-Ear Headphones

Competing with fashion earphone maker V-Moda on both design and sonic performance isn't easy, but id America's set to give it a try with Spark ($60), a collection of nine different variations on the "colored metal canalphone" theme. The shape of each aluminum earpiece is the same -- a three-pronged hub stands out from the back of a distinctively ringed barrel -- but the colors change from model to model. Like V-Moda, id America offers conservative and daring color schemes, but the younger challenger offers three different themes that set Spark apart. One-colored versions such as silver on silver and black on black merely alternate between glossy and matte textures, while some two-colored versions have the same base and accent colors on both earphones, and others have deliberately mismatched earphones -- one pink with silver accents, the other silver with pink accents. A one-button remote and mic box may or may not match the earphone colors. Each Spark comes with the same neutral gray carrying case, and three sets of either gray or frosted clear silicone ear tips; like most of V-Moda's earphones, the sound has a bassy, clubby skew that some users will like more than others.

Company: Optrix

Website: www.optrixhd.com

Model: Optrix HD

Price: $90

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S, iPod touch 4G

Optrix Optrix HD Sport Case for iPhone 4/4S + iPod touch 4G

It seems like Optrix is still trying to figure out exactly how it wants to position its Optrix HD Sport Case for iPhone 4/4S + iPod touch 4G ($90). Clearly, the company intends it as a way to keep your device protected from even the roughest of elements while you record video. What's not so obvious is just how it recommends the accessory be mounted; the packaging defines it as a helmet camera mount specifically, although the website doesn't use that terminology at all. Regardless, it is certainly a protective solution, made up of a waterproof case and device-specifc sled with multiple base options. Once you put your device in the right plastic sled, you simply slide it into the case and latch it shut. The entire unit is protected, including the screen, which is covered with a thin plastic layer that can be touched through. Both the Home buttons and Sleep/Wake buttons are still accessible, the latter via a metal button built into the case. A hook along the left edge is used to attach it to the various bases, which latch with a quick release lever.

Company: AE Tech

Website: www.aetech.tw

Models: Superleggera Pro

Price: $13

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

AE Tech Superleggera Pro for iPhone 4/4S

Superleggera Pro for iPhone 4/4S ($13) is AE Tech's/Acase's take on a dual-layer rubber and plastic case. It's a surprisingly protective option, with full coverage for all the ports and buttons built into the removable inner layer, including flip-open doors over the headphone and Dock Connector ports. The plastic shell -- available in a variety of colors -- then fits over the top, offering some structure and extra protection. As with the company's earlier Aplus Shield for iPad 2, Superleggera Pro is pretty hard to come by unless you know where to look -- we found Amazon to be a source -- and the packaging looks mall kiosky.