There are far too many iPhone cases to choose from in the world, and most of them are pretty similar to one another anyway. I prefer something a little more unique and interesting, like the Twig Case. Each one is made of a dense, durable paper composite called Richlite, amounting to about 100 sheets of paper per case. It doesn't sound like…
I've been passively on the lookout for a decent iPhone bike mount, and the Quad Lock looks to be an excellent choice. You can attach it to your bike's frame using the provided pair of rubber o-rings if you're going to be moving the mount between bikes a lot, or you can use zip-ties for a more permanent mount. Once the mount…
I use the built-in Reminders app in iOS all the time, but unfortunately it doesn't like to save locations for later use. Reminder+ is an app that aims to remedy this problem by letting you save as many locations as you want, for as long as you want. Any place you frequent can be added to your list, and then later added…
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful iOS text editors, but maybe you're like me and you have a problem. An addiction, really. This urge to try all the text editors, even though you've already found ten of them that suit your needs. Well, here's your chance to try another one! And then you should seriously seek help. Daedalus Touch meets all…
Flipboard is ubiquitous enough that it needs no introduction, so I'll get straight to the point. They released version 2.0 of the app a couple days ago, and it comes with several neat new features, the biggest of which is the ability for users to create their own magazines that others can subscribe to. Any article you come across can be added…
I've been a big fan of Calcbot for a long time, but there's always room for new calculator apps. An interesting one I just came across is Llumino, which somehow manages to combine simple calculations with a dance floor aesthetic. Tap the buttons, and the area around them will light up in a psychedelic way. The calculation area is also quite animated,…
While iPhone car mounts I've used in the past have been flimsy and weak, this $50 suction cup smartphone mount doesn't look like either. Built with "Marine-grade" aluminum and plastic, this mount comes with a lifetime warranty. The 4 pressure points that hold the phone are spring-loaded, so they're tight, but easy to pull off. The suction cup is designed to stick…
Lately I've been addicted to an awesome little game for iOS called Ridiculous Fishing. It's gorgeous, the music is great, and there are no in-app purchases (IAP) to unlock items. Everything is unlocked as you earn in-game money. The basic mechanics are simple: tap the screen to cast your line, tilt your device to move the hook around and avoid hitting any…
The microphones built into iDevices are...okay at best. They're perfectly suitable for capturing your personal memos, but not exactly something you'd use to record live music or interview someone with. The iXY mic by RØDE aims to solve that problem, at least for iDevices with a 30-pin connector (sorry, Lightning users). It can capture up to 24-bit/96k-resolution stereo audio as long as…
Got a bunch of 35mm negatives laying around, but no way to easily scan them? Well, the Lomography Smartphone Scanner promises to solve this problem. The kit comes with a light panel and mount for your iPhone. Slide in the film, hit the light and take the photo. The scanner works with color negatives, color slides and black & white films and…
The RFduino isn't your everyday Kickstarter project. Hailed as "the world's first wireless coin-sized Arduino compatible open-source micro-computer that talks to your iPhone using Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy," it's not something your mom will probably want for Mother's Day. The RFduino is based on the same architecture as the Arduino Uno, and includes a powerful ARM chipset and a Bluetooth Low-Energy 4.0…
There are a surprising number of awesome credit card-shaped iPhone accessories. One of my longtime favorites has been the GoGoStand, but the ChargeCard looks to be another top contender. As you can see in the image above, it has a Lightning connector on one side and a rubberized USB connector that can be folded out from the middle section. I don't know…
The iPhone 5's glass radio windows at the top and bottom of the back gives it a unique, two-tone look. Most iPhone cases cover this design detail, but the Saturn Case for iPhone 5 embraces it. Pictured above, the Saturn case is made from polycarbonate and aluminum. The polycarbonate resides over the glass, letting all of the science involved in passing data…
We've mentioned the DODOcase Durables iPhone 5 Wallet previously, but I figured the rest of the Durables lineup was worth taking a look at too. They've got one for just about all the popular portables: iPad and iPad mini, MacBook Air 11" and 13", Kindle Paperwhite, Nexus 7 and 10, and the Kindle Fire HD. One can never have too many deluxe…
We've covered loads of wallets and loads of iPhone cases here at Tools and Toys, but the SmartFlex Card for iPhone 5 combines the categories in a new way. Securely hold up to 3 cards (or folded bills) in this case's side-loading slot. With a thumb release on one side, you won't be digging your cards out with your fingernails, which is…
Yesterday I posted about the CINCH wallet, which is made by the fine folks at Portsmith Co. In addition to that wallet, they sell a variety of lovingly-crafted wooden acoustic docks for the iPhone and iPad. Each dock is made out of wood that has been salvaged or harvested using sustainable methods, machine-milled by professional woodworkers, then hand-finished with non-toxic, eco-friendly tung…
You know what can ruin a nice date or a business meeting? When you get a call and your phone starts blaring "Call Me Maybe" as you quickly fumble around to silence it even though the damage is already done. Embarrassing. Rather than do that to yourself, check out Cleartones, which are a set of beautiful, minimal ringtones and alert tones created…
Mailbox, the long-anticipated email/to-do app that promises to help you better organize your inbox, has finally been released to the public. Demand for the app has been so high that the developers have instituted a waiting list in the app. As of this writing, that list is over 538,000 people long and still growing! Some reviewers who have been lucky enough to…
Mophie has announced a battery case for the iPhone 5. The Mophie Juice Pack Helium packs a 1500mAh battery in a case 13% thinner than previous models. Like the case for the iPhone 4/4S, the Helium re-directs the sound from the bottom of your phone to the front, making it easier to hear. Check out what 1500mAh means: Up to additional 6…
In the spirit of yesterday's item, TwelveSouth has announced the SurfacePad for iPhone. Made from luxury Napa leather at 1/10th an inch thick, the SurfacePad sports a built-in stand for hands-free iPhone use. The case itself gently wraps around the device, but does not interfere with the buttons, ports or camera on the iPhone. The SurfacePad for iPhone is shipping now for…