Two innovative cases for smartphones have been introduced very recently: OtterBox uniVERSE modular case system which allows you to add various modules in a similar fashion to what Project Ara promises, and Tapit case adding a flexible keyboard on top of your smartphone case.
OtterBox uniVERSE modular case system
The company offers a protective case for your phone for $50 to $60, and you can add modules as needed from the following selection:
- Square Contactless & Chip Reader, $49.99 – To accept credit cards and contactless payments on the go
- olloclip 4-in-1 lens, $79.99 – Fisheye, wide-angle, 10x and 15x lens options
- SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive, $59.99 to $119.99 – 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of additional capacity
- Nite Ize Steelie Vent Mount Kit, $39.99 – Mount your smartphone to a vehicle vent for hands-free use
- Goal Zero Slide Battery, starting at $59.99 – Extra battery
- Manatee Works StingRay Barcode Scanner, $95
- Seek Thermal Compact Camera and Seek Case, starting at $249
- Influx WiFi Booster, $39.99 –
- PolarPro Trippler Tripod, $49.99
- PolarPro Stance Compact Tripod, $29.99 – Folding tripod
- PolarPro PowerPack Removable Battery Pack, $49.99
- PolarPro Beat Pulsar Wireless Mobile Speaker, $59.99
- PolarPro Fisheye Wide-Angle Lens, $29.99
- PolarPro Trail Blazer Armband, $34.99
- PolarPro Stash Slim Mobile Wallet, $19.99 – Ditch the wallet and stash cash directly on the uniVERSE case
The downside is that the case and accessories are only available for iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus, but I assume that if the system gains traction popular Android smartphone will be supported too. Alternatively you could also use Nexpaq once/if they sort out their issues.
The system will start selling on May 29 in the US. You can find more details on uniVERSE case system product page. Via Liliputing.
Tapit Customizable Tactile Keyboard Case
Tapit’s usefulness appears to be debatable, but basically it’s a case with a transparent physical keyboard that give users tactile feedback to make possible eye-free smartphone operation. So for example, it could improve the experience if you use your smartphone as a remote control for your TV or TV box, and Tapit Launcher app pictured above, allows the user to pre-defined 18 keys on their lock screen for fast access.
The company provides an API in order to let third parties develop app leveraging Tapit physical buttons. The case is compatible with Samsung S5, S6, S6 Edge, S7, and S7 Edge smartphones, and the company took it to Kickstarter to raise at least 20,000 Euros to go ahead with mass-production. Rewards start at 35 Euros (early bird) and 49 Euros (Classic bird) for the case. Shipping is included, and deliver is scheduled for November 2016. Visit Tapit Case website for a few more details.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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