iPhone Accessories

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.

Children have a habit of destroying electronic devices. Ask any parent who has loaned their iPhone or iPod touch to a kid so they could play games. Wouldn't it be better if you could protect the iOS device while providing educational entertainment to the little spuds?

iBuku Pets provides just that, a protective and friendly contraption shaped like a bear that cradles the iPhone inside and prevents damage. Apparently, you can even throw your iBuku Pet down the stairs without harming the iOS device inside. The toy is made of completely non-toxic material, unlike some toys out there today.

With the iPhone being a portable computer, people are finding new things to do with it every day. Beyond iOS software there are now a number of iPhone accessories that extend the device's hardware as well. Lapka offers a series of five sensors that expand your iPhone's capability to measure certain aspects of your surrounding environment.

Besides having a stylish design comprised of wood and plastic, each sensor delivers information to the Lapka iPhone app through the headphone jack of your iOS device. You can monitor your environment continuously and log data for later retrieval, or take a one-time reading when needed. Each of the five sensors is small because the processing and display of data is all accomplished on the iPhone.

The market for third-party iPhone 5 accessories continues to grow, and Lightning-compatible options are no exception. We've already seen an illuminated iPhone 5 Lightning cable as well as some less expensive versions of the standard Lightning to USB cable. Now you can purchase an iPhone 5 dock stand just in time for the holidays.

USB Fever has two different options for those looking to conveniently dock their iPhone 5. The first model is the Charging & Sync Dock Cradle for iPhone 5. This basic version is pictured above and accepts your Lightning to USB cable in the rear port. Available in black or white, the price with no cables included is $15.99 plus shipping.