iPhone Accessories

Accessory makers used to be a great source for next-generation iPhone rumors, but they lost most of their credibility after the teardrop iPhone 5 debacle of 2011. This is why I wouldn't get too excited about Elago Design's "Slim Fit 2 Case" for the iPhone 5C that has recently popped up on Amazon. In case you missed the memo, the iPhone 5C is the rumored name for unannounced "low-budget iPhone" Apple is expected to launch in the Fall.

We got the first glimpse of the iPhone 5C name and logo in an alleged leaked photo of its packaging over the weekend. Apple has not confirmed or denied that they're releasing a low cost, plastic iPhone, so it is hard to know if the image is legit. However, this hasn't stopped Elago Design from listing their iPhone 5C case on Amazon, but they have seemed to stop taking pre-orders for the accessory.

Warner Bros. is offering 25% off on all of its iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphone cases. The cases feature a variety of designs based on some the WB's most popular film and television franchises like The Vampire Diaries, The Big Bang Theory and The Lord of the Rings.

Each case protects the back and sides of your phone from damage while giving you complete access to all ports and functions. The iPhone cases include an additional silicone sleeve that protects your phone from scratches. The cases are compatible with the iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and Galaxy S3 and S4.

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.