As smart phones become even more integral to our everyday lives, extra gadgets that increase their functionality just get cooler and cooler. These 14 add-ons for iPhone and Android handsets include arcade housings for gaming, home security devices, photo lenses, sound amplifiers and even wind meters.
1. Canary Home Security Device
A device the size of a soda can pairs up with your smart phone to keep your home more secure. Canary contains an HD camera with night vision, motion sensors, a microphone, an accelerometer and sensors for heat, humidity and carbon monoxide. In other words, if there’s anything weird going on at your house, you’ll be notified immediately, from intruders to electrical fires. As soon as the device senses that something is amiss, it’ll send you a message, with options like “make a call” or “trigger siren.” Set to retail for US$199, the device soared past its Indiegogo funding goal and should begin production shortly.
2. iCade Jr. Turns Phone into a Mini Arcade
The iCade jr. brings the feel of a (teeny tiny) arcade game to your iPhone. Featuring a joystick and four front buttons, plus four rear trigger buttons, the little cabinet is as functional as it is a conversation piece.
3. iPhone Photo Lens Dial
An old-fashioned looking dial on a rugged case spins to offer three different camera lenses to iPhone photographers, including wide angle, fisheye and telephoto (plus a bonus macro lens on the iPhone 5 version.)
4. Fling Game Controller for Smart Phones
A pair of mini joysticks for iPhone, Android or the iPod touch makes gaming more fun and interactive. The Fling Mini gives games an analogue feel, with clear components that won’t block visuals on the screen.
5. Vavuud Wind Meter
Cyclists, surfers, boaters and people who rely on wind power should take an interest in Vavuud, a wind meter you plug into your smart phone to measure wind speed and wind direction. Made of weather-resistant plastic, it’s been tested and calibrated in a professional wind tunnel and has a range of 1 m/s to 25 m/s. It retails for US$44.99.
6. Google Chromekey HDMI Streaming Gadget
The very inexpensive Google Chromekey mirrors content from a tablet, smartphone or computer onto a television. This US$35 HDMI dongle allows you to send content from Google Play, YouTube, Netflix and Chrome to your TV without wires, at the push of a button.
7. Kwikset Kevo Turns Smartphone Into House Key
Smart phones are quickly replacing wallets, music players, and even keys. Kwikset’s Kevo pairs with a handset running a special app via Bluetooth, so you can simply touch the deadbolt to lock or unlock the door. It’ll only open if you’ve got the paired phone (or key fob, if you haven’t joined the ranks of smartphone owners just yet) is sensed nearby.
8. Garmin HUD Displays Navigation on Windshield
If you have a hard time seeing the tiny letters on a navigation screen while you’re driving, Garmin has a solution in the form of HUD, a head-up display unit that displays the information on the dashboard.
9. Task One iPhone Toolkit
A durable iPhone case adds an array of practical tools, allowing you to cut open packages, tighten a screw or crack open a beer. It’s got 16 tools including an allen wrench, wood saw, wire stripper and pliers in a thin and trim package weighing surprisingly little thanks to aircraft aluminium and polycarbonate. The knife comes off easily for air travel.
10. Mini Cinema for iPhone Enlarges Picture and Boosts Sound
This non-powered device will amplify sound and magnify the screen so you can set your phone on the table and enjoy a movie.
11. LED Desk Light & iPhone Charger in One
Set your smartphone or iPad where you can see if while you’re working with this desk light/charger in one. A simple touch sensor on the side turns it on.
12. Bikepod - Tripod For Your Bike
Turn your whole bike into a tripod so your camera is always ready with the Bikepod, which securely clamps onto your bicycle’s handlebars.
13. ARKCANARY Acoustic iPhone Speaker
The ARCKANARY is a low-tech piece of PVC that makes a big difference in sound for iPhones. With a fun, classic megaphone shape, they amplify sound and also act as a stand.
14. Smartphone Film Scanner
Transfer old negatives straight into your iPhone with the push of a button. The iPhone and Android Film Scanner makes it easy to preserve analogue memories from colour, slide and black & white film, so you can turn the negatives into positives and adjust the colour and exposure.
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