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The best ultra-thin cases to protect your iPhone X

When it comes to protecting your iPhone X, there are a slew of options to consider, ranging from the ultra-protective Otterbox and Lifeproof, to going completely case-less at the risk of scratching and cracking your $1,000 smartphone. One option for people who want to preserve the thin and sleek feeling of the iPhone X, while also protecting from scratches and small drops, are ultra-thin cases. Read on for a roundup of the best ultra-thin iPhone X cases.


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Roundup: The best new 9.7-inch iPad Pro cases & accessories

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Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the same dimensions as the iPad Air 2 on paper, but the device’s new 12-megapixel camera means your old iPad case probably won’t cut it. That is unless you cut it yourself to accommodate the new larger camera and flash that will make a larger opening on cases necessary for the new device. So your iPad Air 2 case won’t be a perfect fit, but there is already a long list of notable case makers with products available to order.  The only exceptions to that maybe are sleeve style cases that don’t have any camera openings.

But if you want a case that was truly made to fit your new 9.7-inch iPad Pro without any compromises, below we’ve put together a running list of the best new cases available now and coming soon. 


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Alleged 9.7-inch iPad Pro case leaks, shows Smart Connector and LED flash cutouts

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As we’ve reported in the past, Apple is expected to introduce a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro at an event later this month, and now we’ve seen the first alleged case made for the device. Nowhereelse.fr on Twitter has found a pair of cases supposedly made for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch that fall in line with reports that the device will feature Smart Connector support, camera flash, and more.


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9to5Toys Last Call: 13,000mAh Battery Pack $25, iPhone 6/s cases from $1, WD 5TB External Hard Drive $110, more

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

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Lenmar MFi Apple-Certified 3,000mAh Battery Case for iPhone 6/s: $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)

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Anker Tech Prime shipped: 13,000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank $25, Wireless Network Camera $60, LED Desk Lamp $26, more

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iPhone 6/s/Plus and Android Cases from $1: Dual-Layer in Gold or Space Gray $4.50 (Reg. $10), more

iPhone 6/s/Plus Accessories w/ Prime shipping: Dual-layer Cases from $3 (Reg. $8+), Sport Armband $3.50

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WD My Book 5TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive: $110 shipped (Reg. $140)

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A Dark Room for iOS goes free as IGN’s Game of the Month (Reg. $1)

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Giveaway: 1-yr. subscription to Apple Music, Beats Pill+ and Solo 2 Over-ear Headphones ($549 value)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

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FitBit’s Charge HR fitness tracker available for just $110 shipped (Reg. $150)

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

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Your Choice of 10 Top-Rated Mac Apps for $20 (up to $500 value), free video training course on how to prevent hackers

Keep your Macs running smoothly with a CleanMyMac two-pack: $36 (Orig. $60)

Download the iPad at Work for Dummies eBook for free (Reg. up to $17)

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Add Bluetooth capabilities + a dual-port USB charger to your car for $16 (Reg. $28)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

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Segway and Intel got together to create a futuristic robot butler

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Review: Weak battery aside, Apple’s iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case isn’t as dumb as it looks

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After Mophie and several other companies created the “iPhone battery case” category, Apple’s Made for iPhone accessory team quietly began to limit what the cases could do. For instance, developers were told that they couldn’t charge both the iPhone and the case at the same time; instead they had to charge the iPhone first, then the case. And although some early battery cases used Apple connectors to recharge, that convenience was nixed by Apple, too. I covered the inception and growth of the battery case market, and heard numerous stories of last-minute scrambles to meet Apple demands, none of which appeared to be making the cases better for end users. Today, the best iPhone 6/6s battery cases are incredibly similar to one another, distinguished more by pricing and capacity than differences in features.

Years later, some of the advantages Apple denied to third-party developers have appeared in the iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case ($99), Apple’s first battery case for iPhones. Roundly mocked for its rear “hump” and unfavorably compared to best-selling $40 alternatives on raw battery power, Apple’s latest design clearly isn’t for everyone. But despite the criticism, Apple isn’t stupid, and even if it isn’t winning beauty or capacity awards, the Smart Battery Case’s few special features give it a leg up on certain competitors…


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Opinion: The iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case shows Apple knows iPhone battery woes, but wants to profit from them

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Arriving with little fanfare — much like several of Apple’s recent Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad accessories — the new iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case appears to have been designed by Apple to make two statements:

  1. The “smart” way to add a battery to a super-svelte iPhone is to graft it onto the back of a case like a hump, clearly identifying its battery-ness.
  2. If you’re buying a non-Plus version of the iPhone, you’ll probably want to add an extra battery, and rather than building it into the phone itself or letting third-parties rake in the dough, Apple would like to capture the extra $99 for itself.

Having reviewed lots of iPhone battery cases, and assembled a popular guide to the best iPhone 6 / 6s Plus battery cases, I’m feeling very conflicted about the Smart Battery Case — it doesn’t seem “smart” at all. In polls and in comments, readers have clearly expressed that an Apple-developed solution to the iPhone’s less-than-full-day battery life is long overdue. But the vast majority of people have said they want Apple to improve the battery inside the iPhone, even compromising thinness, rather than requiring an external battery solution.

Since it’s rare for Apple to make a one-off accessory for a single iPhone, the Smart Battery Case strongly suggests that next year’s basic iPhone, too, will struggle to make it through a full day without assistance. And that’s not good news for iPhone users…


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The best iPad Pro cases, covers, keyboards & accessories

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With iPad Pro officially going on sale tomorrow (possibly at midnight tonight Cupertino time if Apple follows past launches), it’s time to move our attention to accessories for the device.

Will you go the Apple route and stock up on the official but pricey Apple keyboard, case & cover, and Apple Pencil? Or perhaps you’re looking for accessories with features that aren’t offered by Apple’s. Whatever the case, below we’ve started rounding up the best of the best accessories for iPad Pro. Most are available to order now while a couple are coming soon. We’ll be adding more as they pop up in the weeks following the iPad Pro’s launch.
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STM Drifter review: Water resistant, light cargo-pants of MacBook backpacks

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STM is a relatively well-known Australian company that makes great quality, but slightly pricey bags and cases for your gadgets. What I’ve always loved about the company is that most of its bags don’t look anything like the typical accessories you’d associate with consumer tech. They just look like regular bags, except they’re not. Nowhere is that more clear than with the STM Drifter; a well-made, lightweight, spacious and durable back pack with enough pockets and compartments to carry virtually anything…


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Spigen’s newest iPhone 6s + 6s Plus cases start at $9.99, wireless charging case only $29.99

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Spigen’s first round of affordable new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus cases were ready to order even before Apple’s September 9 special event. Now that the iPhones are about to hit stores, Spigen has a new collection of slim protective cases ready, and you’re going to love them.

The lineup starts with a minimalist sub-$10 case that can magnetically attach to your car’s dashboard. Next, for under $15, you can get a shock-absorbing clear case that shows your new iPhone’s “S” badge or rose gold color. Or if you want to add wireless charging and a drop-proof case to your iPhone for under $30, you can. Below, you’ll see how Spigen has covered all of those bases, and more…


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The best iPhone 6s & 6s Plus cases available to order now

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iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are on their way with preorders kicking off over the weekend, so now is the time to buy a case for your new device in order to have it in time for an official launch set for later this month on September 25.

As is tradition, we’ve put together a roundup of the best choices for to protect your new iPhone with our selections of the best iPhone 6s and 6s Plus cases available to order now.
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Protect your iPhone, save your money: Poetic’s sub-$20 iPhone 6s & 6s Plus cases are ready today

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If you don’t want to spend $50 for a case every time Apple announces a new device, you still have great options: cases with comparable quality are available for much less money if you do your research. One of the best brands for that is Poetic, maker of an Apple Watch stand we lovedand today the company has released brand new, sub-$20 iPhone 6s and 6s Plus cases called Revolution and Affinity.

They are both available to order now in anticipation of the new iPhone launch later this month. Here’s the rundown…
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Apple announces new iPhone 6s accessories: leather and silicone cases, metal docks

Following the announcement of the new iPhone 6s today, Apple debuted several new accessories for the upcoming smartphone. The company announced that the existing silicone and leather cases will be available in five new colors, while a new line of metal docks will be available in colors matching the phones at $49.99.


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Turn your iPad into a Surface with Logi’s new BLOK keyboard case

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Logitech recently announced a new branding and marketing strategy and its BLOK family of iPad cases are the first products released under the company’s new Logi brand. The Logi Blok are highly protective, colorful, square cases and keyboard covers for your iPad.

The Logi BLOK family is made up of the Logi BLOK Protective Shell, the BLOK Protective Case and the BLOK Protective Keyboard case. All have square corners, designed to protect the precious rounded corners on your iPad. What’s more, they have been tested to ensure you can drop your iPad from “up to six feet high”, on to surfaces as hard as concrete, without killing your tablet. Unlike some other ultra-protective cases, Logitech promises that these aren’t bulky or heavy.

With Logi BLOK, you get drop protection without the bulk and weight that is often associated with ultra-protective cases. Additionally, the Logi BLOK family reflects the colorful and bold new Logitech look, so you’ll see a sleek design and bright colors on each case.

The two different case options are incredibly similar to each other. From the images, it seems the BLOK Case is the same as the BLOK Shell, except with the addition of a cover and a kickstand similar to that on the keyboard case. BLOK Shell ships with a screen protector and is available for iPad Air 2 and 2nd/3rd gen iPad mini in blue or black mini for $39.99. BLOK case costs $69.99 and is only available for the iPad Air 2.

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The BLOK Protective Keyboard looks to transform your iPad Air 2 in to a Microsoft Surface. It adds a versatile and adjustable kickstand to the back and a magnetic detachable keyboard to the front. Like most iPad keyboards, it connects via Bluetooth, ensuring you can continue to type even if you don’t have it physically attached to the case.

It’s available in black, teal/blue and red/violet color combinations and will set you back $129.99. You can take a look at the new keyboard accessory in the promo video:

All three BLOK products are available to order from today at Logitech.com.

 

Olloclip unveils its lens accessory-compatible Ollocase for iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus

 

We mentioned earlier this year at CES that Olloclip had a redesigned version of its lens accessory-compatible protective case in the works for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and today the company officially unveiled its all-new Ollocase. The Ollocase carries an affordable price tag with pre-orders kicking off today and comes in two matte color options. Read on for all the details…
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9to5Toys Last Call: Ooma VoIP Phone w/ Bluetooth $90, iPhone 6/Plus cases from $4, Free App of the Week, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

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Amazon Gold Box – Ooma Telo Air VoIP Phone w/ Bluetooth Adapter $90 shipped (Orig. $180)

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Spigen iPhone 6/Plus cases from $4 Prime shipped, multiple colors/styles available

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iTunes Free App of the Week: Pursuit of Light ($1 value)

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iOttie Easy View iPhone 6 windshield car mount $10 Prime shipped (Orig. $23), more

 

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Apple Deals:

iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 128GB in Gold or Space Gray $600 shipped ($99 off)

iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB in Space Gray $529 shipped (Orig. $929)

2015 MacBook Air 11/13″ from $829 w/ free add-ons and discounts

13″ MacBook Air (newest) 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB: $830 shipped (Reg. $999)

Refurbished Apple laptops: MacBooks from $259, Pros starting at $459

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Apple AirPort Express w/ AirPlay & Wireless Printing $79 or refurb $65 (Reg. $99)

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LAST CHANCE! Review: SOL REPUBLIC’s Shadow wireless headphones w/ Bluetooth 4.0 offer an upgraded audio experience, $100 giveaway

More new gear from today:

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Intocircuit Power Castle 11200mAh Dual-USB Power Bank: $18 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)

  • New! Garmin nüvi 7-Inch GPS w/ Lifetime Maps (Cert Refurbished) $110 (Reg. $130)
  • New! Headphones: Sony over-ears (refurb) $50, 2 pairs Able Planet $20, more
  • New! Daily Deals: Insignia 28″ LED HDTV $180, Logi Wireless Keyboard $22, more
  • New! Games/Apps: FF Type-0 $40, LEGO Dimensions preorder $10 off, freebies, more
  • New! Samsung Galaxy Android Cam w/ WiFi (refurb) $210 shipped (Orig. $350)

More deals still alive:

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Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player (refurb) $20 shipped (Reg. $35)

New products & more:

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OWC put a 480GB SSD in a pocket-size USB 3.0 Flash Drive

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IKEA details its new wireless charging furniture, add-ons and iPhone cases

Purported 12-inch ‘iPad Pro’ cases show stereo speakers, iPhone rumored to use same 7000 Series aluminum as Apple Watch Sport

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Sonny Dickson has today posted images of an iPad Pro case that reiterates previous manufacturing renders and reports. Like a render seen in January, the case has holes for stereo speakers situated on top and bottom of the device.

The ‘iPad Pro’ has been widely reported to be in development for some time, featuring a larger 12.3 – 12.9 inch display. It is unknown if the new case images offer any new information — they could have been conjured up based on the previously leaked renders. Chinese case manufacturers have offered mixed indications of future Apple product plans. The iPhone 6 design was widely leaked through cases appearing online, but other instances have not been as fruitful.

Today, there has also been a rumor around the next iPhone’s materials …


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Opinion: Don’t judge – Apple Watch accessories are supposed to be personal, not universal

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Over the past fifteen years, I’ve seen certain commenters pick the same fight literally every time Apple releases another device: “are accessories really needed for _____?” Fill the blank in with “iPod,” “iPhone,” “iPad,” “Apple TV,” or “Apple Watch” and you’ll see how the answer has eventually turned out to be “yes” every time. Even though I’ve tested virtually every type of Apple accessory out there, I couldn’t help but shake my head when companies first announced cases for the Apple TV’s remote control. Crazy, right? But there were eventually behind-TV mounts, Bluetooth keyboards, and universal remote controls that became truly handy for even Apple’s least-accessorized device.

Now the Apple Watch is coming, and despite Apple’s focus on its purely aesthetic customizability — including welcoming third-party band makers to the party — the “is this necessary?” comments are appearing again. “Nothing like a faux carbon fiber decal on your watch to convey your sense of good taste,” said one commenter, who separately opined that “every protective product listed here is the modern day equivalent of plastic-covered furniture.” To be honest, I personally agree with the first sentiment, but I’m not the target market for stickers. And I can still remember some people describing iPhone cases as plastic-wrapped furniture, back before Apple started selling them, too. So who’s actually right here, a handful of anonymous commenters acting as arbiters of universal style, or consumers looking to have fun customizing their new toys to their personal tastes?…


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The best protective covers, cases, & bags for Apple Watch

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Now that you’ve ordered an Apple Watch or two, you’ll want to start pre-ordering any accessories that you want to have by the time your watch arrives. Most of the products on this list of protective covers, cases, and bags are shipping around the same time as the Apple Watch — sometime between April 24th and June — but many can be preordered today for delivery in the coming weeks.
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Review: Pad & Quill’s Attaché is timeless, will stand the test of time (Discount+Giveaway)

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[Ed. Note: My wife liked this one so much she insisted she review it]

In many ways, my work is old school: unlike my other half, I work in an archive and write about the past. You might call my professional aesthetic “19th century schoolhouse.” Or at most “1920s Paris bookshop.” In other words, Pad&Quill. So when the Minnesota-based makers of the luxurious, leather notebook-style iPhone wallet case sent a new top-shelf work bag to our house, I claimed it. Over the past month I’ve been filling it with my MacBook, iPad, iPhone, papers, pens and books. Voilà the Attaché


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The best Apple Watch accessories: bands, cases, docks, screen protectors & more

Apple Watch preorders, reservations, and sales are set to kick off in the coming weeks, so we’ve prepared a running list of the best accessories available to purchase and preorder online.

Companies aren’t waiting around for an official Apple third-party accessory program for the device, as a long list of straps, cases, charging docks, screen protectors and more are scheduled to ship next month in time for the Apple Watch launch. There are even solutions to attach traditional watch straps to Apple Watch, and portable power options for charging on the go.

There are bound to be more companies announcing accessories in the weeks to come, and we’ll be updating this list as they do.
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Review: Incipio’s new Clarion, Faraday & Tuxen folio cases offer three small twists on iPad Air 2 protection

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Having reviewed hundreds of different models over the years, I can say with some authority that iPad cases are rarely “exciting.” Early on, Apple established the folio — a lidded sleeve with the ability to stand upright for videos — as the de facto standard for iPad case design, and perhaps half of all the iPad cases since then have followed the same general theme, differing more in materials than functionality. Incipio’s latest designs for the iPad Air 2 are all small riffs on the same idea: fabric lids connected to plastic iPad holders, varying more in the particulars than the broad strokes.

We’re taking a quick look today at three cases: Clarion ($35), Faraday ($40), and Tuxen ($50). Despite their varied MSRPs, they can all be had for between $31 and $33 through Amazon, with some color options going for higher prices. Functionally, they’re very similar to one another: all three support both video and typing angles, protect most of the iPad against scratches and dings, and use magnets to automatically turn the iPad’s screen off or on when it’s closed or opened. Read on for what makes them different from one another…


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Apple threatens to ban iPhone, iPad accessory makers that design based on leaks

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Apple is working to step up the secrecy surrounding future iPhone and iPad models by targeting a frequent source of leaks: third-party accessory makers. 9to5Mac has learned that in fall 2014, just before the iPhone 6 launched, Apple demanded that a number of leading accessory makers sign agreements barring them from seeking out information about future Apple devices, according to four sources with first-hand knowledge of the matter.

On one hand, the agreement dangled the loss of “future business opportunities that Apple and/or its affiliates may present to you” as a potential consequence of violating or not signing the agreement. On the other hand, signing and following it could lead to months-long delays in making accessories like cases available, during the time of year when those cases were most needed and demanded by customers.
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iHome debuts speakers, headphones, iPhone + iPad cases for Disney’s 2015 Cinderella blockbuster

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Just ahead of Disney’s release of Cinderella, the highly anticipated live action movie version of the classic 1950 animated film, Apple accessory maker iHome today took the wraps off of a collection of elaborate new iPad and iPhone accessories.

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(Photo credit: Benjamin Hendel)

The star of the collection is this model replica of the new Cinderella Golden Coach, which is currently on display at DisneyWorld in Orlando, FL. iHome’s upcoming version is called the Carriage Bluetooth Speaker, a highly intricate, sub-$70 version with a mesh, globe-shaped speaker in the center. As our photos show, the level of detail in the Golden Coach is really impressive, including faceted gold that almost looks bejeweled.

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iHome has also developed a pair of Cinderella headphones, complete with a jeweled blue butterfly on the side – key to the movie – and noise isolating earbuds with blue jeweled sides and fabric cabling. Both feature in-line microphones and remote controls.

 

Finally, there are also some bespoke iPad and iPhone cases, including a quilted iPhone flip case with golden accents and a hand strap, a butterfly-laden iPhone 6 hard shell, and a quilted purse-like case for the iPad with a golden strap.

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Disney’s Cinderella will be released in theaters on March 13, with the new lineup of iHome Cinderella accessories to follow.

9to5Mac’s CES 2015 coverage brought to you by:

QARDIO-BANNER

Just Mobile shows super-thin Lightning LED cable, reversible USB car chargers, new Bakpak batteries

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Up until recently, Apple accessory makers were unable to make Lightning cables with plugs as thin as Apple’s — they were required to use thicker plugs that sometimes had problems connecting to cases. At the 2015 CES, Just Mobile showed AluCable LED ($25), which uses newer Apple connectors to create the thinnest metal-jacketed Lightning cable yet, removing case compatibility issues while adding metallic style. Markedly improved over the prior AluCable at the same price, the new gold version matches the latest iPhone and iPad colors, as well.

The USB plug notably has a MagSafe-style LED built in that shifts color to indicate charging status, just like Apple’s laptops. Photos of that feature, plus details on a new reversible USB car charger, a new iPhone battery pack, and a golden version of Just Mobile’s iconic Encore stand, are all below…


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