Gadgets manufacturer BoxWave has launched the Keyboard Buddy, a physical keyboard accessory for the Apple iPhone 4.
The device is what you would think it is: small, easy to carry around and hooks up to the iPhone4 through Bluetooth. It is shaped liked a regular QWERTY keyboard seen in most smart phones. And unlike other keyboard accessories, the Buddy actually functions a lot like a physical keyboard that is connected to the handset.
The device literally hooks up to the back of the iPhone; this doubles the function not only as a QWERTY slider, but also as a back casing for the handset as well. Do not worry about the speakers or the camera being covered by the buddy as it actually has provisions for the lens as well as for the speakers on the back on the device as well.
We certainly love this add on because a physical keyboard is one of those phone functions that Apple has never bothered venturing into. While other phone makers create a variety of handsets (take the X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro), Apple has stuck to one form factor since the launch of the first generation iPhone. It is unlikely that any change could happen now.
For those wondering how the physical keyboard feels: it is amazing. Not quite on the same level as BlackBerry’s keyboards, but it still comes pretty close. The buttons are responsive and evenly spaced –though as with all physical keyboards, it takes a few uses before your fingers get used to the placements of keys. The layout is a typical four row setup with numbers on the top.
Overall, this is the perfect addition to the Apple iPhone. If you have wanted to switch to a keyboard phone but have become too attached to the iOS, then this is the perfect match for you.
Archive for the ‘Mobile Phone Accessories’ Category
Physical Keyboard Add-On for the iPhone 4
Friday, November 19th, 2010Going Green: Nokia’s Cycle Charger
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Nokia is once again proving why they are the top electronics company in Greenpeace’s list.
According to reports, the Finnish company has just finalized their bicycle based mobile phone charger. The concept is simple, as bikers pedal, a dynamo installed in the wheels will gather the energy and convert it to electricity which will then be used to charge a device. It is not really a new concept and it is surprising that it has taken engineers this long before the technology is applied to a viable commercial product. Still, Nokia deserves plenty of credit for actually bringing the device to the market.
Speaking of which, there is no official confirmation of an actual UK release for the new Nokia bike accessory. So far, it has been stated that the product would only be sold in countries where biking is considered to be a primary mode of transport. At this point, it seems that the most likely solution would be to have the charging setup shipped to the UK until such as time that it is available locally on retail.
The whole package is reported to be small, consisting of a small rig that attaches the dynamo to the bike and of course, a sturdy phone holder. Keeping a constant speed of 4 MPH is enough to keep a phone charging and it is said that pedaling for just 10 minutes at a leisurely 6MPH is enough to deliver over 20 minutes of talk time.
Another great thing about the charger is that it is compatible with most Nokia devices. As long as the handset makes use of the regular 2mm charger jack, it will work nicely with the bike charger. Hopefully, adapters for other kinds of chargers will also be released. If Nokia does not bring this technology over, it would be great another company provides it instead.
Manufacturer BYD Shortchanges Nokia
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
The need for cheaper manufacturing costs is a given. With or without any economic need, it is a natural thing for any business to study how they can cut on operating and manufacturing costs. With electronic devices, particularly mobile phones, there are just so many parts that a phone manufacturer cannot feasibly produce everything.
This is why some casings, keypads, headsets and chargers are being outsourced to other companies. Nokia recently acquisitioned BYD to produce chargers for their mobile phones; while we have no doubts that the test chargers performed amazingly well, the final production output does not. It has been recently announced that Nokia will be replacing defective chargers for free. Not really their fault, but it is still good of Nokia to do something about this.
The problem with the BYD manufactured chargers is that the plastic cover on the outlet tends to get loose and may fall off. This is a serious fire and electric hazard and while there have been no accidents, it would be best it this threat was avoided altogether. The bad news is that the chargers seem to have been distributed widely. Nokia has yet to announce where they have shipped the chargers, but the replacement program covers all of UK.
The replacement program Nokia has is simple; simply check their website to see if your charger matches any of the two types of chargers manufactured by BYD. If it does, simply fill out the downloadable forms. For reference, the BYD chargers that are eligible for replacement at BYD chargers AC-4U, AC-3U and AC-3E, all of which have been manufactured between June to October of this year.
While this problem is not really Nokia’s fault, it certainly does not help their reputation. The free replacement program will certainly help fix the problem; but it does not remove their stain on their already oddball reputation.
Sennheiser Shows Us What a True Music Headphone Should Be
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
If you never had the pleasure of listening to crisp resounding audio quality of a Sennheiser speaker, then you are certainly missing out. I still remember my first Sennheiser 3.5mm audio headset –it as given to me as a gift, and the audio quality just blew me away. The higher costs of Sennheiser audio equipment compared to the average headset is your first indication that this not your ordinary speakers. These are high quality headsets. With this brand, it is all about function. This does get a little annoying if you are also looking for something stylish, too bad that most headsets that actually look good sound cheap.
Anyway, as I was saying, Sennheiser has a pretty bad track record when it comes to the aesthetic designs of their headsets. The new Sennheiser Communications MM 100 is touted to be Seinheiser’s sportiest headset yet. I would agree, it is Sennheiser’s sportiest; but really, can they not give us a more stylish device? Still, there is no point criticizing a Sennheiser on accounts of looks alone, as I said, they make some of the highest quality audio devices you could ever find. No doubts about it, this is one headset that will change the way you listen.
What I really like about this new headpiece is the battery life. Forget the ‘more natural sounds’ or the open listening options. That is already a given, any Sennheiser user already expects that. The nine hour battery life on the other hand, is a major boon. Particularly if you love being on the go. I do remember to charge most of my mobile devices, but wireless gadgets such as headphones and mouse are easy to forget. A Sennheiser headset with a long battery life is certainly going to get 2 thumbs up from me.
Vuzix Changes the Way We Watch Videos on the Go
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
The new Vuzix video eyewear is not the first device to conceive the idea of placing video feeds directly in front of our eyes, but it is probably the first true portable video eyewear. It will take video feeds directly from your phone, video player and even game console. There’s a 3D option for the device for a truly unique viewing experience. Video quality is excellent, we can even choose from a variety of projection sizes. There are eyepieces that project a simulated 44 inch, 52 inch and 67 inch viewing screen. Of course, each variation has its own price. Frankly speaking, paying almost double for the 67 inch is not a good idea, better stick to the 44 and 52 inch variations.
The question now is “are we going to use this device?”
Think about it, you are on a car, on a train, in a lobby, or in your office. Maybe you are just waiting for your next appointment, maybe the traffic is in a standstill, or maybe you are still four stops away from your destination. You have time to spare and you normally spend this time catching up on the latest episode of your favorite series on your mobile phone. Sounds familiar? These are pretty common scenarios, you may not go through it yourself, but you can easily picture yourself in the situation.
Now comes the clincher; will you actually pop out a pair of eyeglasses to watch the video? The important thing to note is that this viewing device will literally leave you blind to everything else. Obviously, watching a full length movie on your 3 inch mobile phone screen is straining on the eyes, but leaving yourself blind to the world for that period of time can be dangerous in its own way. I see the Vuzix doing well for home use; but I doubt anyone will use this on the go.