iPhone Savior

Phone Club Case Makes iPhone Dudes Look Tough

Yep — now there's finally a Fight Club for iPhone users. They call it Phone Club and there's even an official members only case for that. But remember the first rule of Phone Club  — You do not talk about Phone Club!

Schreer Delights, the same gang of brand rebels who created the wildly popular line of retro Macintosh iPhone cases have unleashed a new set of case designs glorifying an iconic film, smoked bacon and the desire to RAGE all night long.

It will cost you $45 bucks to join the custom case club of your lucid dreams. Feelings of intense anger, rage and self destruction come free upon delivery.

     

[Schreer Delights]

Retro 2 Go Gives Geeks That Gunslinger Swagger

 

I like the idea of using an old school handset with my iPhone, but walking around with the look of a modern gunslinger makes it a whole lot cooler. 

Retro 2 Go was created for those like Lenny Kravitz who rock a Retro Pop or Why You Busy? (YUBZ) handset extension for their smartphone.

It's a belt clip cradle that finally gives your handset the kind of useful and fashionable dangle it truly deserves.

This helpful hunk of geek wear is hand-cast with sturdy urethane resin — priced at $25 and offered in black or clear. The YUBZ handset is not included — that baby will cost you extra.

Expect to see this cool clip-on hanging off the hips of models at Silicon Valley Fashion Week this year. It's ultra-geek chic for the rest of us — city or country dwellers alike.

[Freeland Studios]

I Want This Retro iOS Look For My iPhone!

 

Anton Repponen has imagined a Mac Plus inspired look for his iPhone with iOS '86. This retro classic design concept laid atop the ultra modern iPhone is definitely a must-have for me!

What do you think? — Are you ready for iOS 86?

[repponen live journal]  [wallpaper PNG]

iPhone Dock Hits $1 Million Kickstarter Milestone

 

If you haven't heard of The Elevation Dock just yet or a little Portland-based operation called Elevation Labs, you should know that the company is the first ever to collect over $1 million from Kickstarter and go on to become the largest project in its history.

When Casey Hopkins showcased his aircraft-grade aluminum iPhone charging dock back in December, he hauled in over $165,000 in pledges from some 1,784 enthusiastic Kickstarter backers overnight — all anxious to fund his docking station concept starting at $59 a pop.

Hopkins just collected his epic $1,464,706 in Kickstarter funds, setting a new milestone for the website as he prepares to put in motion production for producing some 15,000 Elevation Docks shipping off to a legion of loyal backers across the globe.

Star Wars iPhone Cases for Victorian Era Geeks

This Victorian era Star Wars portrait collection was imagined by illustrator Terry Fan, then quickly transformed into functional art to become iPhone 4 cases. These detailed portraits take an iconic Sci-fi saga backwards into the past — to a simpler place and time far far away.

The series includes the cultured, steam-powered gentleman Baron Von C3PO, General Fett, a perfectly Victorian Darth Vader and the dapper Sir Yoda. The full size prints are remarkable pieces of art in their original form.

Expect to plunk down $35 for an iPhone case or $15 for iPod or iPhone skin. I'm a huge fan of Terry's earlier work — but this current Star Wars inspired collection is equally brilliant.

[via Society 6]

Retro Apple Case Maker Overwhelmed By Orders

It only took 48 hours for Schreer Delights to halt sales of their Apple inspired iPhone cases. When the $45 cases which included a click wheel iPod, retro Macintosh, original iMacs and Graphite G4 tower, were posted across several blogs — it instantly triggered a buying frenzy from a legion of iPhone faithful.

"Thanks again to all who ordered the Apple inspired iPhone cases. The response was overwhelming." said Don Schreer on the company's website.

"There was so much interest in the last 48 hours that we were concerned that we would be unable to keep up with demand. Because of the response, we took those items off the blog so that we could figure out some production issues."

There's absolutely no doubt that Schreer has tapped into what appears to be a huge demand for nostalgic Apple branded iPhone cases. His clever "Macintosh iPhone" design is well thought out as well as the company's concept for the 2001 click wheel iPod case.

While Apple may ultimately create legal pressure to shut down sales on these inspired retro designs, it does not erase the fact that a tremendous demand still remains. Creating a product that's too popular is an excellent problem to have.

Schreer Designs expects to fill all orders received in the order they were placed. A date for case sales to resume has not yet been announced.

 

       

[Schreer Delights]

Nothing Is More Romantic Than Dinner By iPhone Candlelight

 

Adding romantic lighting to your homemade Valentine's dinner can be instantly turned into an epic geekfest with the Wood Shop Candlestick Charger. Got wood?

David Stark has designed a $175 all-in-one iPhone charger for the ultra-hipster. Nothing says I love you more than lighting up her trendy life with your iPhone. It's the ideal way to keep your phone at the table without being totally obvious.

Even if you don't use David's wood shop wonder dock, you can still download the ultra-realistic Free Candle app in the iTunes App Store for any occasion.

For those about to romance — we salute you.

[Haus Interior]

Jay and Silent Bob Want To Eat Your Brains

 

Because I'm a huge closet fan of hetero life-mates Jay and Slient Bob, these iconic iPhone cases matter. Kevin Smith is all about pimping merchandise — so why not add iPhone 4 cases to the mix.

You can expect to pay $40 for my favorite comic book inspired "Eat Brains" case, or any other one of the 9 different designs on Kevin's Smodcast website. All of these SModCo iPhone 4 cases are Case-Mate brand so you can be sure they will make a quality fit.

I'm hoping that "Bluntman and Chronic" iPhone cases won't be too far behind. What do you say Kevin?

[Smodcast]

Shark vs Gorilla iPhone Case Is Brilliantly Wicked

 

What may appear to be just another iPhone case on the surface is actually part of a series of remarkable illustrations called "Atrocities" — created by emerging Toronto artist Brad Pickard.

"Shark vs Gorilla" is quickly becoming a popular iconic image that makes one wicked cool iPhone case and has already sold out as a skateboard deck.

I was taken by Pickard's body of work which includes brilliantly disturbing images like "Octogirl" and "Lobsterboy", but his wildly original "Atrocities" series is a force to be reckoned with — featured in both New York and Toronto art galleries.

These Artsprojekt iPhone cases use a Speck brand fitted hard shell plastic covered with an easy-to-grip fabric. Expect to pay $46.70 for Pickard's epic Shark vs Gorilla design. Overwhelming feelings of artistic superiority come free upon delivery.

[Artspriojekt]

iVictrola Gramophone Rocks iPhone Like It's 1929

Here's a fresh way to toot your own horn. Schreer Design has crafted a 3D printed analog iPhone speaker inspired by those old tabletop Victrolas sold in huge numbers until the end of the 1920's.

The iVictrola Gramophone seamlessly merges antiquated turn-of-the-century technology with the most sought after smartphone on planet earth.

It comes in two parts, including a sound magnifier horn that adjusts up and down inside of a hallow base. There are several color options, but the basic white model is priced at around $83 dollars.

Even though there are several variations of this same concept on the market, the iVictrola Gramophone has a slick retro appeal with a small footprint that's perfect for bringing a little tabletop wow to any part of the house. For those about to rock — we salute you!

 

[via Shapeways]

iPhone Nightstand Speaker Kills Bedside Clutter

It seems like iPhone speaker docks just keep getting bigger. JVC's new N-BX3 nightstand speaker pushes right past extra large and moves into ginormous — with the biggest docking station of them all. This ultra-modern marvel weighs in at a hefty 44 pounds.

The N-BX3 integrates a set of 30-watt speakers featuring SRS StudioSound HD into an iconic piece of beside furniture with a retractable iPhone dock, glass top and FM tuner on board.

The minimalist design makes a giant leap towards replacing those space-hogging nightstand alarm clock docks. But you'll have to give up the drawer space.

Even though iPhone charging is integrated here, I'd want to know that Bluetooth connectivity was included in the design for dialing in the right song at a moment's notice without having to flop over the side of the bed on those not so lonely nights.

JVC's iStand bedside table of the future is available in Japan for approximately $525 US and it's offered in black or white finish. That could be a tad expensive if you have to buy one for your side of the bed and a matching nightstand for wifey.

 

[Gizmodo via Akihabara News]

Dark Side of the Forest iPhone Case Doth Rule

If you've not yet discovered the amazing artwork of Terry Fan, here's your big chance. While I chose to feature his epic "Dark Side of the Forest" iPhone case, the fun doesn't end there.

I have two more favorites like his other Star Wars inspired "Yodalution" and the whimsical "Everyone Gets Cold" illustration of Bigfoot.

Dark Side of the Forest includes Terry Fan's signature leafing design work, but it was the glowing Empire moon in the background that had me sold. Expect to pay $35 for a snap-on case or $15 for the iPhone skin — all fitted for iPhone 4/4S or 3G models.

[via Society 6]

This Mr. Spock Inspired iPhone Case Is All Ears

 

The original detachable ear, which began as a design school project by Daniela Gilsanz, has now become a new iPhone 4S case series called "All Ears", re-imagined by Worldwide Fred.

All Ears delivers one snap-on, hard-shell plastic case for iPhone 4 or 4S along with 6 full color inserts that include two of my favorite designs, the Mr. Spock Vulcan ear and blood spattered Zombie. I'm hoping for the inevitable zombie Spock ear that could spark a protest from committed Star Trek geeks.

Even though this novelty case will cause more shocks than it will ever be able to absorb, it's definitely a legit gag worth the $12 investment. The reusable case inserts are printed on waterproof plastic ”paper” to ensure extended use.  

All Ears is expected to go on sale through Perpetual Kid sometime in early April, including bi-sexual sets of both His and Hers versions.

You can still grab the original Earonic Case designs for $20 via the CollabCubed shop, but they don't include the must-have Vulcan or zombie kind.

iPro Lens System Helps Your iPhone Go Pro

 

Schneider Optics has launched a series of professional-quality lenses designed especially for iPhone 4 and 4S in hopes of raising the bar on iPhoneography.

The iPro Lens System works with a rugged snap-on case which utilizes a bayonet mount to quickly attach fisheye and wide-angle lenses for capturing professional-grade photos.

The wide-angle lens provides 35% more coverage of the area in front of you while the fisheye lens captures a 165-degree field of view. One of the more clever attachments is the iPro handle that serves as a dual tripod mount, but it also neatly stores the lenses inside.

This three-piece system costs $199 and is available for purchase now at the company's website. Schneider Optics is also planning the release of their iPro Tele Lens. The 2X telephoto narrows the iPhone’s field of view by 50% and is expected to arrive sometime in April for an additional $100.

Although Schneider Optics is not the first to offer attachable photo lenses for iPhone, the company has refined an innovative and handy pro grade kit that should make shooting on the go hassle free. Of course, the proof is in the image quality which is all that truly matters in my opinion.

[Schneider Optics]

Super Mario Bros. Wallpaper for iPhone and iPad

 

Everything retro is cool again — especially this free set of Super Mario Bros. wallpaper created for iPhone and iPad by designer Louie Mantia. Last week I showed you Louie's Lego brick wallpapers that caused quite a massive firestorm of interest.

When you get to the page on Mantia.me select your desired device download, tap the screen and hit Save Image to download the large version directly to your iPhone or iPad camera role.

You'll find over 60 well thought out designs tooled by Mantia for his website including the expanded Super Mario Bros. desktop wallpaper which is perfectly awesome. Did I mention that these are all free?

[via Mantia.me]

Pantone iPhone Cases For The Chronically Hip

 

The idea of pulling a ginormous PANTONE swatch out of my pocket is a concept that's not reserved only for modern hipsters. Pantone cases are so in. Andy Warhol cases are over!

I spotted this aesthetically pleasing iPhone 4 case at Nubbytwiglet.com, a boutique design and marketing house that resides deep in the heart of Portlandia. I can't wait to dock my phone right next to Pantone's 2012 "Color of the Year" coffee mug.

Expect to fork over $36 for an iPhone 4/4S snap-on case featuring one of 10 Pantone colors including black and two shades of hipster grey. Feelings of smug superiority come free upon delivery.

[PANTONE]    photo credit top: Nubbytwiglet.com

Philosophy Professor Dances His Way Towards $20K To Fund iPhone Case

 

In January of 2010, David Barnett glued a couple of large buttons onto the back of his iPhone case so he could neatly wrap his headset around them, at that very moment the idea for PopSockets was born.

By day, David Barnett is a Philosophy Professor with the University of Colorado at Boulder, by night he's the mastermind behind a new iPhone case design he calls PopSockets. Just five days after Barnett sought backers to fund his innovative case design through KickStarter.com, he reached his goal of $12,000 dollars and has now surpassed $16,000 with 20 days to go.

The most notable thing driving backers to fund PopSockets is its amazing multifunctional design. It's a case that is equal parts kickstand, a headset management system, pocketless phone clip, a single-hand stand, a cradle for gamers and shoulder stand. The collapsible, accordion-style sockets is what makes Barnett's case concept so wildly original.

But it's been a combination of original design work and Barnett's over-the-top dance moves that has polarized iPhone faithful into committed groups of both lovers and haters. Rather than producing a typical Kicksarter video that leans heavily on walking viewers through product specifications and design details, David Barnett decided to create a piece where he dances his way into funding. It appears that his risky and oddly unorthodox approach has paid off.

"That video just spread like crazy at first," Barnett told iPhone Savior. "I was getting emails daily from around the world, from people I knew in my early childhood."

"One guy actually said; I'll give him as much as he wants as along as he stops dancing." said Barnett.

Free Lego Wallpapers for iPhone and iPad

 

Visual designer Louie Mantia, has created a truly impressive collection of themed wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. His bold Lego brick line-up includes blue, green, red, yellow, dark grey and grey after downloading. I liked the Lego pattern more as a lock screen than as a home screen.

You can find over 60 designs tooled by Mantia including unique expanded desktop versions, with one that's definitely worth a look by Super Mario Bros. fans. Did I mention that these are all free?

[via Mantia.me]

Apple Includes Micro USB Adapter With iPhone 4S In China

 

The iPhone Micro USB Adapter which quietly made its way into the UK Apple store for an additional £8 back on October 14th, is showing up bundled with iPhone 4S purchases in China, according to a detailed report by M.I.C. Gadget.

Apple officially launched the "little dongle" in compliance with a 2009 European Union standard that will see micro-USB charging devices used for all data-enabled mobile phones. The voluntary agreement was signed by 14 major smartphone manufacturers including Apple.

The iPhone Micro USB Adapter allows you to use most third-party micro-USB cables and chargers to both sync or charge any iPhone device.

While every new iPhone handset includes Apple's proprietary dock connector, those seeking Apple's Micro-USB adapter outside the U.S. were required to pay for it until the iPhone 4S launch in China. While the adapter appears to be Apple's chosen method of complying with the EU standard, should the company charge some users for their micro-USB solution and include it free for others?

The report goes on to confirm that China is currently in the process of "pushing a law that would require all phone makers to agree upon micro-USB as a universal standard". Which may explain why Apple is choosing to pro-actively include the adapter inside the box with its Phone 4S. 

I should also note that Apple does not currently supply a cable for their micro-USB adapter, nor is the dongle required to charge or dock the iPhone 4S. With that said, I would still expect those new iPhone 4S customers abroad who've paid extra for a Micro USB connector to be a little ticked off to learn that China buyers are being given the same item for free. 

Apple's iPhone Micro USB Adapter is not currently for sale in the company's U.S. online store.

[photo at top via PC Pop]

Liquipel Waterproofs Your iPhone Without A Case

 

Liquipel has been creating some serious buzz this week at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, where the company introduced their unique waterproofing technology that makes your iPhone water resistant without the need for any kind of case.

According to the company, Liquipel permanently bonds to your device on a molecular level inside and out with a "nano" coating that effectively repels water. Even though Liquipel does not recommend taking your naked iPhone deep sea diving after it's been treated, they do claim that their preventative waterproof coating is a permanent solution as demonstrated in their jaw-dropping YouTube video (below).

"Liquipel penetrates the entire device as a whole, including all of the vital components inside and out to provide optimal protection against accidental contact with liquids." Liquipel wrote on their website

"It is not visible to the human eye, virtually undetectable and Liquipel will not compromise the look, feel, and performance of your electronics."

In order to have your iPhone coated with Liquipel's magical-sheath, you'll need to ship off your handset to their southern California headquarters, which might prove be a huge buzz killer for many. For the cost of $59, the company promises a 1-2 day turnaround to coat your phone. Liquipel also provides a 5 step tracking process that updates from the second your device is received and walks you through the entire process so you can track your iPhone to completion.

If the amazing Liquipel technology proves to be an authentic, long term solution for waterproofing gadgets, the company could ultimately revolutionize the entire consumer electronics industry. If that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.  

[ Liquipel]