iPhone Accessories

iPhone 5 power users will be happy to know that Mophie continues to improve their Juice Pack iPhone cases with built-in battery backup. The latest model, the Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5 packs a 2100 mAh battery inside, exceeding the capacity of all previous models. So what does a battery this size do for your iPhone's longevity?

How about a full 120 percent extra battery power from the stock, built-in power pack on the iPhone 5? No need to do the math, essentially the Mophie case more than doubles your battery life, adding up to 10 additional hours of 3G talk time, 10 additional hours of LTE data time, and 12 extra hours of video playback.

Forget about thermostats and light bulbs. The next iPhone-friendly home improvement is already here, and it's called Kēvo from lock maker Kwikset. Thanks to Bluetooth this UniKey-enabled wireless deadbolt unlocks with a simple touch, that is as long as you have your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch somewhere close-by.

Once your iOS device is paired with the Kēvo, the deadbolt detects that an authorized device is within range and will lock or unlock when touched. The slick built-in light even flashes green to indicate the lock is being activated successfully. Bluetooth 4 is required, so that limits compatibility to at least the iPhone 4S, iPad 3, iPod touch 5G or newer devices. Low energy consumption means the four AA batteries installed in your door last a whole year.

The wait is over for fans of tactile keyboards on the iPhone 5. The MiniKey is NUU's answer to the slide-out keyboard case, providing Bluetooth connectivity and replacing the on-screen virtual keyboard. The iPhone 5 version of the MiniKey is slimmer than previous models and as always, it protects your device like a normal case.

As anyone who has used a Bluetooth keyboard knows, eliminating the need for the on-screen keys provides extra space for whatever app you're currently using. The full display can be devoted to content, since the keyboard is off-screen. NUU has designed the keys on the MiniKey with a tilted face, to match the ergonomics of typing with both thumbs.

This March, Mophie will ship its latest Juice Pack, the Helium for iPhone 5. With a 1500mAh battery built-in, the Helium almost doubles the battery capacity of your device. Not only this, but to match the slim profile of the iPhone 5 the Helium is the slimmest Juice Pack from Mophie yet. It measures 0.59 inches and weighs only 2.44 ounces.

Besides acting as a case to protect your iPhone 5, the extra battery capacity means up to 6-7 hours of extra calling or browsing time. The Helium includes an LED battery level indicator, standby switch, and charges itself and your iPhone 5 with a micro-USB cable.

Not everyone enjoys teddy bears and flowers for Valentine's Day... So what do you get that special geeky someone in your life? Here are five great gifts for Apple fans.

iTunes Gift Card

You can't hand someone an app or digital book, but you can hand someone a gift card. An iTunes gift card allows the owner to purchase their favorite music, games, apps or books from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store. You can buy $15, $25 or $50 cards directly from the Apple Store, or larger amounts from other retailers like Walmart.

What looks like it could be an April Fool's joke is actually a product vying for support on the fundraising site Indiegogo. Appropriately named the Uppercup, this device will not only protect your iPhone, but it will also hold a steaming hot cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage.

Marketing company Natwerk, based in Amsterdam is seeking $25,000 to start production of the UpperCup and start selling the cases for a retail price of $35. Of course, if you kick in $25 or $30 on Indiegogo, donations are rewarded with an Uppercup from the first production run (iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5 respectively).

Apple is now offering the Bluetooth hipKey proximity and movement alarm in the Apple Store online. The accessory measures less than two inches across, yet packs a 90dB alarm and internal rechargeable lithium ion battery. With a range of 164 feet and battery life spanning from 2-4 weeks, hipKey watches out for your valuables and iOS device.

With the companion iOS app and built in motion mode, you can leave the hipKey in a purse or bag to be alerted as soon as the bag moves. The proximity sensor can also be used to give a warning when your iPhone is left behind or if someone tries to steal the device. Child mode will send an alert when your child wanders too far away.

There are plenty of toys on the market that use the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch as a remote control. How many of these send a live feed of their surroundings directly to your device? Now with the iSpy Tank you can turn your iOS device into the nerve center of your top secret espionage operation.

The free i-spy toys app provides complete control of the tank, along with up/down and zoom controls for the camera turret. Of course, you can shoot still photos of your target and record video directly to your iPhone. The iSpy Tank boasts a control range of up to 90 feet with its own built-in Wi-Fi network.

iFrogz previewed the new Caliber Advantage mobile gaming controller for the iPhone 5 and iPod touch at CES in Las vegas this week. The iFrogz (a ZAGG brand) Caliber Advantage aims to give gamers a more accurate gaming experience by utilizing Bluetooth 4.0 to connect directly to the corresponding app. The case also features dual slide-out analog controls with crisp and responsive keys, and the ability to flip the device to play in portrait or landscape mode.

Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG, claims the Caliber Advantage "is a game-changer for the mobile platform".

"Everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players will enjoy and appreciate the control and function of the Caliber Advantage. We are committed to bringing creative product solutions to gaming with not only this revolutionary gaming controller, but also a full line-up of gaming-specific audio products."

You can now stop fighting over charger real estate thanks to Griffin's new PowerDock 5. The new charging station helps you keep your countertops or desk clutter free by providing up to five charging ports for any iOS devices . Each charging bay is roomy enough to accommodate the bulkiest of iPad cases, but the PowerDock 5 only consumes as much room as a single iPad. The PowerDock will also help you keep all your devices and cables neatly organized and in one place.

The PowerDock 5 is great for tablet crowded offices, or for moms who are tired of siblings stealing each other's chargers. The iOS charging station will available from Griffin Technology's official online store in the spring for $100.