iDrink

Innovation comes in many guises, some of them more outlandish than others. The various iOS devices over the past few years have sparked a legion of accessories of all kinds to support and improve the use of those devices. The iFlask (courtesy of Mashable), while clever, doesn’t fit that description.

Smartphones of various makes have become ubiquitous; in the few short years since the release of the first iPhone they’ve become almost a requirement for many. I would find my daily life severely constrained without my handset- it provides communication, information, and entertainment no other single device could. The iFlask takes advantage of the commonness of today’s smartphones for the purpose of subterfuge; as the name suggests the “device” is in fact a drinking flask masquerading as a faux iPhone.

The iFlask is constructed of stainless steel and polycarbonate, and built to loosely resemble one of several smartphone profiles. At a glance one wouldn’t suspect it was a ruse, containing up to 5 ounces of whatever  fluid one would like to conceal. The headphone jack is actually the opening for the flask, opened by a sliding switch. The makers of the iFlask even kindly provide a collapsable funnel to fill the container.

The iFlask began as a Kickstarter campaign, but even though it failed to reach its funding goal the makers have found a way to being manufacturing and are accepting preorders via their website.  This curious product could serve in many somewhat illicit functions- sneaking alcohol into sporting or other group events where drinks are either prohibited or prohibitively expensive is the first that comes to mind. It would make for a clever gag gift as well. I’m just thankful it wasn’t around when I was younger; it could have been the origin of a great deal of trouble for me and some of my friends.

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Life with Wally

In my never ending quest to get more utility from my iOS devices I was perusing Kickstarter a few months ago, looking for something that would both spark my interest and offer some unique value other accessories don’t. While the entrepreneurs looking for financial backing for their idea are legion, the actual numbers of worthy campaigns have dwindled as of late. The world may not need yet another iPhone dock or sync cable, regardless of how clever the tweak may be. Thankfully, just before I gave up I stumbled across a gem from an organization I’d already supported in the past.

Distil Union has already coaxed my credit card from my CM4 case thanks to their (recently reviewed) Snooze bedside alarm clock accessory and accompanying app for the iPhone. They were seeking funding for yet another interesting take on a category of accessory that I find most useful: the iPhone wallet. The Wally was an intriguing product; instead of a case providing slots for your cards (as my CM4 and BookBook had) it acted as a piggyback wallet. Either use the case of your choice or be one of the brave ones to go without; the Wally would adhere to most surfaces via a ‘microsuction’ coating on the back of the vegitable-tanned leather. The description was enough to entice me to back the campaign (which not surprisingly had already reached their production goal). After a short wait for the campaign to end and production to begin, I was ready to see what Wally was like in a practical, every day setting.

As I’ve stated in older posts, I prefer an iPhone card case over a traditional wallet. My work scrubs have a profound pocket deficit, and with the other devices I’m asked to carry (VOIP phone, pager, pen, etc.) the more multi-use devices I can find the better. I’ve used several wallet/card cases to date with varying levels of satisfaction; ultimately the need for easy access to my iPhone’s screen and providing the slimmest profile possible have been the deciding factors (otherwise I’d opt for the newly redesigned BookBook; it’s absolutely gorgeous). The Wally seemed to offer just that- a slim, easily accessed card pouch that could be quickly removed and reattached should I wish to use/change cases.

Upon arrival I had a slight problem with the Wally. As with all leather goods, it had warped somewhat during the less than optimal conditions of shipping. The leather had curled a bit, making it form a shallow C shape and stretching the card pouch too much to snugly hold my three cards. After conferring with the organization (they suggested using a touch of water to shrink the leather) I ended up using heat in the form of a warm clothes iron to press/shrink the leather back to its original configuration. After the heat/pressure treatment the Wally’s pouch held my ID, debit, and credit cards as perfectly as I had envisioned. Apparently my experience was an outlier; few other backers/early adopters had such issues.

The second caveat was the ‘microsuction’ layer; while my iPhone was case-free and cleaned of even fingerprints, the adhesive just didn’t want to hold firmly. Thankfully the Kickstarter had been so successful that Distil Union had provided an extra adhesive product that really did the trick. After well over a month of use it’s still holding on like a champ.

The true value of the Wally has come from it’s unique construction. Unlike other cases Distil Union crafted a bright red ribbon inside the card slot that when pulled extrudes your cards from their repository. It may not seem like much, but after fighting to get a card past the silicone edge of my CM4 every time I needed it I was more than happy with this new product design. The Wally itself sports some high quality components; the leather is both durable and stylish. The bright red ribbon makes for an eye catching accent as well as being more functional than you’d think at first glance.

I had chosen to go case-free, and both enjoy and regret the decision. The lower profile and lack of a somewhat sticky silicone bumper edge has made my iPhone easier to remove from pockets, but during testing of the PanaVise PortaGRIP mounting bracket I was careless and let my iPhone fall, scuffing an aluminum corner (but thankfully not cracking the glass) of my handset. I’ve learned to be more observant, but I’d encourage others to at least use a bumper case for their rather expensive phones.

Ultimately, would I recommend the Wally? The answer lies in what the questioner is looking for. Should you be like me and want to eliminate carrying an everyday wallet while keeping your iPhone’s profile as slim as possible, then absolutely. The Wally is stylish and more configurable than any other product I’ve tested, especially considering that it can be used in conjunction with many (but not all) cases. It reflects my fascination with all things clever, coupled with my desire to get the most from my iOS devices.

The Wally is available now via Distil Union’s website in either brown or black (in my opinion the only acceptable colors for leather items) for $49.99

Related articles

• Hello World! My Name is Wally – the Stick on Leather Wallet for iPhone (prweb.com)
• Fluent Ink Launches iBillfold2 Kickstarter Campaign for an iPhone Card Case & Attachable Wallet (prweb.com)
• Four Highly Anticipated iPhone 5 Cases [that I can't wait to get my hands on!] (epicagear.com)
• Review: Distil Union Wally for iPhone 5 (ilounge.com)

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More Kickstarter Goodness

Just a couple quick notes on some very worth Apple-centric Kickstarter campaigns, and the Kickstarter iOS App:

Card cases have appealed to me since the first time I laid eyes on them. The ability to get yet one more function out of your iPhone and being able to carry one less thing with you is an irresistible siren song of practicality. I’ve been through many card cases before finally settling on my current CM4 Q card case. While not perfect, it offers the best mix of slim storage, phone protection, and style. Now a new device that’s gained runaway success in their Kickstarter campaign is offering a new paradigm- the Wally.

The Wally is an unusual concept. It’s not a card case per se; the accessory adheres to the back of your iPhone (or smooth surfaced case) and can be removed and replaced. The card holder is similar to the CM4, but has a contoured pocket rather than a flap that holds your cards snug. Cards are easily removed via a clever red ribbon that pulls them partly out for easy access- I often have to fumble with my CM4 to pull the card I’d like past the rubber edge of the case. The materials are high quality as well- the makers tout the Italian leather and careful stitching that make their product a cut above the competitors.

They’ve already surpassed their original goal and with just a few days left are within sight of their stretch goal. If you like the idea of being able to skip on carrying a wallet or clutch purse when out and about give the Wally a look- it’s a top notch idea.

While iOS devices have been touted for their multitasking nature, the Macbook can’t be overlooked. Apple’s unibody laptops are as powerful as they are stylish, and the newer models that sport Thunderbolt ports offer the ability to dock them in clamshell mode, transforming them into a slim desktop tower. There are several third party accessory manufacturers (like Twelve South) that have some outstanding devices to help you take advantage of this feature, but what is a user to do if you don’t have the funds for an Thunderbolt Display? Kickstarter to the rescue again thanks to the MacDock. The diminutive connector plugs into your MacBook Pro to provide a peripheral bridge made of the same aerospace grade aluminum sporting a monitor connection and USB ports for keyboard, mouse, or whatever you may need to connect. The device comes in two levels: the MacDock Mini with one USB 3.0 port and a Mini Display port, and the MacDock Pro with a MiniDisplay port, audio jack, and three USB 3.0 ports (including one 10 watt port capable of powering your iPad). The MacDock is compatible with the MacBook Pro 13, 15, and 17 inch models Summer 2009 and later, with an additional model for the MacBook Air and Retina should they manufacturers reach their funding goals.

The device is plug and play; no drivers or software needed. If you’d like the advantage of a larger monitor and the desktop experience with your MacBook but don’t have Bluetooth accessories or the cash and ability to use the Thunderbolt Display, the MacDock offers an excellent compromise. The simple plug and play ability of the device coupled with something like TwevleSouth’s BookArc and a decent monitor affords you the ability to instantly shift from the mobile laptop experience to a full desktop. While I love my iMac I’m sorely tempted to shift to a MacBook Pro teamed with something like this for my next desktop.

And if you’re as fascinated with Kickstarter as I am, good news: they have an official iOS App now so you can keep track of all of the campaigns you support (and maybe find a few new ones that catch your attention). I haven’t had a chance to spend much time with the app yet, so a full review is pending.

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And now for something completely different

As the title of this blog suggests, I’m an Apple aficionado; particularly their mobile devices. I do stray into the OSX world from time to time here, but I like to think I keep my focus for the most part. Every once in a while my fascination with all things creative and clever overcomes me. This is a prime example of one of those times.

Living in Florida has afforded me a great deal of exposure to the outdoors. From my early childhood family outings and my time in the Boy Scouts I’ve enjoyed what the state has had to offer. Sometimes you don’t truly appreciate what you have until it’s no longer within reach; my career and the constant march of urbanization has taken many of the places I have fond memories of and what little time I have to visit the ones that still exist. Some of my best memories are of the yearly week-long camping trip the Scout troop would take every summer. They alternated from trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a 50+ mile hike to extended canoe and rafting trips down the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers here in Florida. Those long boating trips were fantastic; for those of you that have never had the opportunity to go canoeing it is far more enjoyable that I could convey in words. The peacefulness and serenity of being away from civilization is synergistically magnified by the time spent on the water. I’ve been unable to do even a day trip in one of our many local bodies of water due to the lack of vessel (or a means to transport it); there aren’t many suitable canoes out there that can easily be transported by Mini Cooper, even the convertible version.

That is, until now. An unexpected marriage of two of my fascinations- clever technology and Kickstarter- made its way to my inbox. The Oru Kayak is an origami-inspired answer to those love boating but lack the ability to transport one (or the storage space to keep it). The undeployed craft looks like a large art portfolio or giant-sized messenger bag, complete with shoulder strap. According to the developers it can be unfolded, frame placed, and be water-ready in just five minutes. The 12 foot long craft looks amazing- just take a look at their product demo:

Not surprisingly, the campaign has shattered its finance goal with weeks to spare. According to the site the manufacturers are already accepting preorders (although Kickstarter backers will get free US shipping and a discounted price).
It makes me happy to see so many worthy ideas brought to market via Kickstarter that may not have made it to production otherwise- a triumph for both innovation and technology. While it may deviate far outside the realm of what I had envisioned when I started writing, creativity of this sort needs to be shared.

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iPad or Laptop?

I’ve discussed iPad keyboard cases earlier, but since that time more accessories have come to market, offering multiple aspects of using the iPad for productivity. Most notable is the Brydge, a Kickstarter-funded accessory that does more than folio-style keyboard cases to turn your iPad into a faux Macbook Air. The device is impressive, offering both a model with stereo speakers that are touted to be superior to the iPad’s existing mono speaker and a bracket that holds your iPad firmly.

Another accessory offering the Macbook Air experience with your iPad is the ClamCase, affording full protection for your iPad along with a fully positionable keyboard that can fold behind your iPad. The ClamCase would be an excellent choice for those that want to quickly transition between laptop and tablet functionality without having to remove the iPad from the accessory.

While both of these products are excellent accessories (to go along with the folio-style cases discussed earlier) there is an elephant in the room that hasn’t been recognized: is this option a worthy investment? Even if you choose the least expensive iPad (16 gigabyte storage, wifi-only), adding one of the two keyboard cases above (ClamCase at $149, Brydge at $210 for speaker-equipped and $170 for speaker less) raises the price to around $700. That’s very close to the entry level price for a Macbook Air that offers a full OS as well even more cloud storage options than the iPad. Pick up a larger capacity iPad or one with LTE capacity and you could easily surpass the price of the least expensive Air. Bear in mind, if you don’t need the portability of an ultraportable and aren’t devoted to OSX there are options far less expensive than the Air (caveat emptor!).

So what’s your best option? The answer depends entirely on what you need to do. If you need network connectivity from where ever you are, the iPad/keyboard case is likely your best option provided you don’t need the power of a full OS. The latest generation of iPad’s LTE connection is blazingly fast, and even 3G connectivity is  sufficient for most productivity tasks. More than a few businesses have switched to using iPads as their primary device, relying on proprietary apps for ordering and inventory; in cases like this a ClamCase would work perfectly. If you need the best battery life possible the iPad/keyboard case might be your best choice as well. While the Air offers great battery life, it can’t touch the iPad’s 10 hours (I routinely use my iPad for a full business day, including constant Pandora play without falling below 50% battery charge).

There are some tasks that are simply better on a full fledged laptop, however. I can attest that while the WordPress app in iOS is fine for quick posts, it’s much easier to collect all of the references and information I like to use in a typical post on my iMac. Having the ability to have multiple apps windowed (even on the smaller screen of the 11 inch Air) is a great productivity tool. Then there’s the physical form of your device- while the ClamCase and Brydge are solid, there are times that the aluminum unibody of the Air offers an advantage. The form is even slimmer than the combined iPad/case and offers a slightly wider screen to go along with the more powerful processor and multitasking ability. Then there’s the far greater range of applications available to the Air, all the way to being able to boot or emulate a different operating system. While the Air typically has a smaller hard drive than other Apple computers, it does afford the ability to use Bootcamp or a virtual environment like Parallels to provide access to Windows or Linux.

The question of what setup provides the best experience is actually a good problem to have. More choices for consumers is always an advantage, allowing users to tailor their devices to exactly what their needs are. The only requirement is that customers be aware of their options and have all of the information needed to make an informed decision as to what best suits their needs.

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The next step for kickstarter campaigns

I’ve been fascinated by Kickstarter for some time now. The service has been a paradigm shift in funding for entrepreneurs and small organizations that were forced to rely on angel investors or unreliable traditional funding methods for their products or ideas to come to market. I’ve invested in several, and most of the campaigns I’ve been involved in have reached their funding goals and have gone into production.

So what happens after a successful Kickstarter campaign? While reaching your funding goals is an exciting achievement, it is merely the starting point for what creators hope to be a successful and profitable venture. Where you take your product or service after that isn’t as simple as running your Kickstarter campaign, unfortunately.

But where there’s a problem there will always be innovation. Enter Outgrow.me, the logical prologue to your new product or service. The site acts as a marketplace for Kickstarter products that have (or soon will) come to fruition. Products can be sorted by availability, product-focused (such as iPhone-related products), or general terms like ‘fashion’. Outgrow.me also includes products funded by Kickstarter competitor Indiegogo.

If you’re looking for something unique, clever, or like supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs give Outgrow.me a look. I’ve spent just a handful of minutes perusing their listings and have already found several fascinating offerings.

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Carmageddon for iOS

It seems that it wasn’t that long ago that Grand Theft Auto was gracing the news networks, accompanied by stories of outraged parents and pundits claiming that the extreme violence and adult themes of the game were a corrupting influence on our youth. The focus didn’t stay on GTA for long, and the game became a franchise- currently at 5 editions and counting. While many may not realize it, GTA wasn’t the first game to face such scrutiny.

Come with me in the Way Back Machine to the neophyte days of PC gaming. Carmageddon, a new DOS-based 3D game based on one of my favorite cheesy movies of the 70′s Death Race 2000  was introduced. The game was a modest success and boasted some ground breaking development. What made Carmageddon so remarkable was its concept. Just like the source material the object was for drivers to score points by using their cars to run down pedestrians. This subject matter coupled with what at the time was some pretty gory graphics made the game a lightning rod for censors. Unlike GTA years later, Carmageddon fell prey to the censors; the pedestrians were changed to green zombies or robots with corresponding fluids instead of blood. The game was banned entirely in some markets even after the editing. After a couple expansion packs and a port to Windows, the game had run its course and was abandoned.

Fast forward to today- after a successful Kickstarter campaign this happy relic of my childhood will be refreshed and ported to iOS devices.  The campaign was originally designed to just resurrect the game to Windows, with Linux and OSX ports to follow, but thanks to the overwhelming support the game received it will be available for Apple’s mobile OS as well. Best of all, it appears Carmegeddon will be released in all its original blood spattered glory.

Courtesy of TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog) there’s now news that on its release day Carmageddon will be FREE on the day of its release. Check out the embedded video for some gameplay footage. Now if we could just get someone to take on Redneck Rampage…

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Kickstarting Game Development

I’ve been a bit enamored with Kickstarter lately; while I had heard of it quite a while ago but only recently have I started perusing some of the campaigns that the site has hosted. There are many worthy projects; I’ve posted on a couple of the accessory-themed ones I’ve invested in: AirBudz, the passive sound enabling earbuds (still not yet fully funded), and Foco, an iPad sound-enhancing device that reached their funding goal and is currently in production.

Kickstarter isn’t just for hardware; I’d like to share yet another worthy project with you courtesy of SuperPunch: Lilly Looking Through. Lilly Looking Through is a game in development for every OS: Mac, Windows, and Linux. The game’s beautiful illustration and animation initially caught my eye; I love animation and the game has a classical Disney-esque feel. The heroine Lilly must be guided through a series of puzzles and challenges “…as she seeks to rewrite the past, change the present, and unlock the ultimate mystery. “

I spent a short while playing the free demo version and was immediately hooked. The musical score adds to the ambiance of the game, and the demo is very polished for a teaser. The mechanics of the game are similar to another favorite indie puzzle title, Machinarium. You guide Lilly and interact with the environment with your mouse (or trackpad); solving puzzles in order to progress further into the game. On the game’s initial screen you have to overcome obstacles in Lilly’s path both through direct interaction and by having her perform specific tasks. If you are having a hard time figuring out how to solve a puzzle or progress to the next task just click the help icon for a visual clue.

Games of this sort don’t fit neatly into any one category. It’s part strategy, part casual game, and a ton of indie charm. The Kickstarter donation levels start at very low contribution levels (just $10 will get you a digital download of the game, two high resolution desktop wallpapers, and regular updates on the status of the project should it be fully funded).

I think the reason I’ve become so enamored with projects like Lilly Looks Through is that Kickstarter has become such a great tool to bring innovation and creativity to life. Not that long ago projects such as this one would need to seek funding from family (if possible) or a loan (often difficult to obtain). Not only does your investment help someone bring their dream to market, it can net you a great deal on a unique product or service. Check out the embedded video and try the free Mac, Windows, or Linux demo; if you enjoyed it as much as I have please donate to their campaign.

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Roam and listen in safety with AIRbudz

There’s a new Kickstarter campaign ongoing brought to us courtesy of The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) for a very worthy idea: AIRbudz. AIRbudz isn’t a stand alone accessory, it’s a modification of something that iOS and other portable media device users rely on regularly- their earbuds. The creator of AIRbudz is an avid runner, but had two issues: she relies on listening to music while running to keep her energized and on pace, yet most earbuds block surrounding sound by design making running or biking more dangerous. AIRbudz works with your existing earbuds by replacing the removable cushions that fit in your ear canal. The new cushions have air channels regularly spaced allowing surrounding sounds to mix with the audio  you’re listening to via your device, providing perfect balance of enjoyment of your audio while being more aware of your surroundings. 

I’ve run afoul of exactly these sorts of problems while biking- my hometown’s streets aren’t the most cycle-friendly, but all of the high quality earbuds I own are designed to passively isolate you from outside sound. While this is perfect for home use, it’s a potential danger on the road. Speaking as someone who’s had more than one unwanted encounter with car fenders AIRbudz is a fantastic idea, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting it.

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Enjoying an iOS “Laptop”

I’ve owned all three incarnations of Apple’s iPad, and have enjoyed (and used) them more with each version. While I (and many others) would argue that they are unparalleled in media consumption, not everyone appreciates them for the content creation devices they can be. 

Countless apps offer the power to generate content as easily as other computing forms. Take a look at videos of iMovie or iPhoto reviewed for the iPad; Apple’s engineering to adapt these apps to the iPad’s touchscreen interface are very impressive. Garageband has been brought over the divide from OSX as well. For the visually inclined there are more apps for painting, drawing, and even animation than one modest blogger can cover.

While each of these categories of apps may utilize additional inputs (I find Draw Something much easier to play using a stylus) none of them require something additional- the iPad and your digits will suffice. This paradigm starts to falter when the last category of content creation is considered- writing.

While the on-screen keyboard of the iPad is fine for daily use and short emails or notes, it’s problematic when writing anything longer than a paragraph or two. The new iPad’s voice dictation feature is helpful but not always accurate. What’s a touch typist with a freshly downloaded copy of Pages and ideas that need to be expressed to do?

The iPad’s Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair it with any Bluetooth keyboard (I’m a fan of Apple’s standard wireless keyboard) and the combination works well- provided you don’t mind lugging both around. I’ve always favored Alton Brown’s ideals on multitaskers- the more things your gadget can do the better. Why not merge the keyboard with other features, like a case or screen protector?

I opted for Zagg’s offering- the Zagg Folio. The Zagg Folio melds a hard iPad case with a slim battery-powered Bluetooth keyboard sporting hotkeys for functions such as play/pause, volume, and sleep. When closed the Zagg Folio offers good protection for your device; the case covers all corners and the back of your iPad while doubling the overall thickness with the addition of the keyboard. When opened the iPad fits into a rubberize groove in the keyboard that holds it at a perfect angle for use. The keyboard isn’t full sized but is still easy to use; the feel of the keyboard is similar to Apple’s standard bluetooth keyboard. My only complaints are that the case doesn’t activate the iPad’s magnetically-driven automatic sleep function like Apple’s Smart Cover and recharging the keyboard requires sliding it out of the case at least partially to expose the mini USB port. I was able to purchase the Zagg Folio for $79 on sale, the regular price is $99 with free shipping to the continental US.

For those that don’t need or want a case Logitech may have what you’re looking for. The Logitech Keyboard Case is made in partnership with Zagg but is more of a screen protector than a full fledged case. The keyboard is crafted from aluminum, matching the aesthetic of Apple’s product lines. When not in use it fits securely over the iPad’s screen, protecting it with the aluminum backing and high-density cushioning inside to keep the keyboard from scoring the iPad’s glass, adding just over 1/8″ to the iPad’s thickness. When removed the iPad fits into a groove similar to the Zagg Folio, but unlike its competitor the Logitech case holds the iPad securely via hidden magnets (just as the Smart Cover adheres to the iPad). If you don’t mind protecting the back of your iPad with a skin, the Logitech Keyboard Case is a stylish alternative to the Zagg Folio.

Lastly, a current Kickstarter campaign is ongoing in an attempt to bring another intriguing keyboard to iPad users. The Brydge transforms your iPad into a faux  MacBook Air; your iPad slides into a hinge connected to the aluminum keyboard securely, allowing you to position your iPad in a wide range of viewing angles. The hinge uses a combination of friction and magnets to hold your iPad snugly; the site’s videos demonstrated users picking up the unit and carrying it about by the iPad’s screen.  The Brydge mimics the Smart Cover’s ability to automatically put your iPad in sleep mode when closed, and sports an optional set of stereo speakers. The Brydge’s only shortcoming is that like the Logitech Keyboard case it doesn’t protect the aluminum back of your iPad. The Brydge is an impressive product; their campaign hasn’t yet reached their goal so please consider supporting it if you’re in the market for an iPad keyboard case.

All of these options make the iPad a viable option for writing. I’ve been very happy with my Zagg Folio case and am intrigued by the Brydge (I freely admit my weakness for clever gadgets). If you find you do any amount of typing (including instant messaging) you will definitely benefit from the addition of a keyboard- your iOS “laptop” awaits!

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