New Apple Patent Describes Accessory To Transform Into DS-Like Gaming Handheld

Ever since the iPhone’s release, one of the most pervasive criticisms of Apple’s handhelds as dedicated gaming devices have been the device’s lack of analog controls. It’s a criticism that has seemed considerably limper as time goes on and developers have figured out to utilize the iPhone’s touchscreen and accelerometer effectively, but for certain genres like fighting games and twitch shooters, there’s still something be said for the good old d-pad.

If a new Apple patent is anything to go by, Cupertino agrees. They have filed an application for a snap-on D-Pad with control buttons that wraps around an iPhone or iPad to offer more precision gaming.

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Vers Wraps The iPhone In Plush Wooden Plate Armor [Review]

There’s a reason high-end car interiors are often accentuated with wood — it wears far better than many other materials, lends a rich, warm look, and each piece is unique due to striations and markings inherent in the wood.

Add the fact that wood is a renewable resource that — if care is taken to plant more trees — won’t harm the environment, and the result is a beautiful, warm, hard-wearing case from Vers that’ll also appeal to the green-conscious.

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The Otterbox Defender Case Is Armor For The iPhone [Review]

The Otterbox Defender iPhone Case is the Hummer of iPhone cases. Offering three layers of plastic armor, it protects the iPhone in any terrain.

The Defender case is chunky but offers serious protection for tough jobs. This is a case for construction workers, firefighters, and stunt skateboarders.

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Substrata’s All Wood iPad Cases Are Gorgeous

Although only in the prototype phase right now, these wooden iPad cases Substrata look gorgeous.

Coming in flavors of dead tree flesh including walnut, zebrano, wenge, mahogany and maple, and shipping with both hinged and sliding lids, the Substrata iPad cases (replete with microsuede lining to prevent scratches) should be available in June for an unknown but probably fairly expensive price.

See the hinged lid prototype after the fold.

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Vaja’s Ivolution GT Is The Formula One Of Fancy iPhone Cases [Review]

At first I thought this steel grey Ivolution GT case from Vaja was made from some new space-age material. It is textured but smooth, and has a luxurious silky feel. It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize it’s made from a pretty old material — leather.

Commanding a primo price ($100), the Ivolution GT is a primo case. The more I use it, the more I like it.

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Say “I’m Sorry” with The Agent 18 Flower iPhone Case [Review]

Guys, did you forget to call your girlfriend on her iPhone? If so, nothing says “sorry” better than flowers — a flower iPhone case that is, by Agent 18. She may love you — but she loves her iPhone more.

Note: It’s Case Week on CultofMac.com. We’re checking out some of the latest and greatest iPhone cases on the market. Read all the case reviews here.

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The Pink Lady iPhone Case Is One For The Girls [Review]

My sons are constantly stealing my iPhone to play their games, until I got the Pink Lady Mirror iPhone Case, which totally put them off. This iPhone case from USBfever screams girly!

Note: It’s Case Week on CultofMac.com. We’re checking out some of the latest and greatest iPhone cases on the market. Read all the case reviews here.

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Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5vi Deliver Great Sound, Terrible Name [Review]

Let’s face it: if there’s one thing Apple is really not known for, it’s making great headphones. The white buds that ship with every iPod and iPhone deliver mediocre-at-best sound (while constantly falling out of your ears), and the microphones built into the phone models tend to pick up nothing but wind.

I was converted a few years ago to Shure headphones, beginning with an old pair of Shure EC2’s. At the time, they were the undisputed champs of portable audio. With the right fit, they could literally block out all external sound, deliver clear bass, mid and treble, and all without breaking the bank.

Since my initial Ec2’s met an untimely demise (Severed Cord. Slamming Car Door.), I’ve used successive models of their replacement, the SE110 and SE115. And I’ve been singularly unimpressed. The sound isn’t as good, the fit isn’t as as good, and, if you can believe it, the build quality is less. Every pair I’ve had has shorted out in one ear or the other, at first temporarily before going away permanently. Though it was my first love, Shure has let me down.

Reluctantly, I’ve left behind Shure. And thank goodness. Because Ultimate Ears has delivered in the SuperFi 5vi a headset near-perfectly matched to the iPhone. I don’t know how I got along for so long without them.

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The Uncommon Customized iPhone Case Makes a Unique Gift [Review]

When I first saw Uncommon’s customizable iPhone Cases at Macworld in January, I was skeptical. The company lets you print your own designs or artwork on customizable iPhone cases. Their samples looked cool, but I didn’t think they’d look so good with real photos or drawings.

But after testing it out, I’ve got to say I’m absolutely delighted with the results.

Note: It’s Case Week on CultofMac.com. We’re checking out some of the latest and greatest iPhone cases on the market. Read all the case reviews here.

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Which Makes The Best iPhone Case: Recycled Bamboo Or Pure Plastic? [Review]

I was drawn to In-Case’s Bamboo Slider because it is made from recycled chopsticks and bamboo scaffolds. Living in California, where recycling and composting is mandatory, there’s pressure to be as green as possible. I was eager to try this iPhone case out.

But the company also sent a Monochrome Slider case made out of nothing but pure plastic. No bamboo, hemp or recycled materials in sight. Guess which one I like better?

Note: It’s Case Week on CultofMac.com. We’re checking out some of the latest and greatest iPhone cases on the market. Read all the case reviews here.

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