Hasta La Ideas

The slimmest iPhone case and charger combo on the market offers more than just power

Released today, the Third Rail iPhone 4 case from Third Rail Mobility takes a fresh look at the issue of smartphone battery life. The case is designed to be as compact and dynamic as possible, the only additional real estate present in comparison to a traditional case is a small nub of circuitry on the docking end of the phone. This smart circuitry, combined with their smart batteries offer a superior level of control and customization when it comes to mobile charging.

Unlike most case/charger combos the Third Rail system does not incorporate a built-in battery. Instead, the ultra slim case has a dock on the back where the user can swap super light weight batteries—only 1.4 ounces—in and out, or stack a number of batteries for as much charge as is desired, allowing for the case to always remain on the phone. If you have multiple batteries attached, the intelligent charging system can determine which has the most charge and will transfer power from other batteries to the one it determines to be a primary battery, always guaranteeing you have one fully charged brick. Additionally if you have several batteries attached you can plug the whole unit in and simultaneously charge all the batteries and your iPhone.

Since the batteries are swappable you never have to worry about the system becoming obsolete with each new smartphone purchase. The batteries will work with all cases offered by Third Rail, including future ones, to reduce waste and consumer cost. Each battery also contains its own built in micro USB port so it can directly charge any micro USB device independently or while strapped to your iPhone.

Third Rail Mobility, a family owned and operated business, has created a very functional, forward-looking product with this new case. The system can be purchased from their site for $90 which includes an iPhone 4 case and one battery.

Itty-bitty monitoring device turns iPhones into wellness machines

If Nike+ doesn’t quite meet your needs, Wahoo connects fitness monitors with the iPhone, integrating current telemetry tech with a device you’re already likely to be using (unless you’re the type to carry a Walkman). Using the cutting-edge ANT+ protocol—the same device-pairing tech used in other monitoring systems—the $130 runner package closes the gap between iPhones and cardio sensors, pairing with dozens of existing delivering physiological data that’s logged in real time.

The Fiscia connector weighs just 3.5 grams, runs off the iPhone’s battery and plugs straight into its data port, allowing you to log EKG data while enjoying the phone’s entertainment features at the same time. It’s part of an array of accessories on offer.

Wahoo also offers a pair of bike packages that not only track biorhythms but ground speed, relative cycle power and other variables germane to the technological fitness freak.

Enter to win a round-trip flight, iPad and CH Edition Rickshaw bag set

Advertorial content:

It wouldn’t be surprising if after reading our recent round-up of great travel bags that some of you were bitten by the travel bug. Luckily, Virgin America is offering Cool Hunting readers a chance to win a round-trip flight from any of their U.S. hubs. As if the great RED entertainment system in front of your seat wasn’t enough, they’re throwing in an iPad and free WiFi each way to help make the trip even smoother. In addition, Cool Hunting is providing the lucky winner with one of our CH Edition Rickshaw messenger
bag and iPad case sets, perfect for toting all your in-flight essentials and spiffy new iPad.

ENTER TO WIN HERE

Stay up to date on all Virgin America news and earn points every time you fly by signing up for Elevate.

Soften up hard music with a hand-knit iPod case

by Ikechukwu Onyewuenyi

Love having all your Townes Van Zandt tracks at your fingertips but can’t stand the iPod’s shiny exterior? Enter Granny Tunes, a hand-knit case that covers the musical device with lacy looks. Seizing on fashion’s enduring neo-boho obsession, the macramé-like design is fetching enough to charm younger patrons and not just grandmas rocking iPods. The snuggly pouch, available in neutral palettes (white, beige, khaki), weaves style, function and culture together, playfully embracing the vogue for knitting grannies while building on traditional modes of Greek lace-making.

Granny Tunes sells online from Greece is for Lovers for €55.

Secret mission-worthy gadgets to aid travel-bound photographers and filmmakers

Whether traveling the world, making documentaries or just pretending you’re Jason Bourne, we put together a few special-ops tools to enhance any photographer or filmmaker’s on-the-go lifestyle and resulting images.

POV.HD

Mounted to a helmet or vest, POV cameras offer an exciting—if not slightly frightening—first-person perspective. For skiing down a mountain or hunting down targets, this type of camera keeps you hands-free and makes for astonishing imagery. Marquette, MI-based developer V.I.O. recently released POV.HD, a high-def model that means you can play back your latest mission on a massive flat screen TV at full resolution, if that’s your thing.

Features on the new camera that make it easier to shoot include a convenient wireless remote for controlling start/stop as well as tagging clips so you can watch favorite moments over again individually and a unique looping option for continuous recording (which also allows for tagging of clips when something happens to only save the last few minutes and thus conserving card memory). A great device for documentary filmmakers, pre-order the POV.HD from V.I.O. for $600.

SeV Vest

With the host of film production applications geared for the iPad, having one on set has become a key component of many shoots. Out of Sun Valley, ID, the travel label SeV created a collection of vest and jackets for storing iPads and other gadgets when they’re not in use. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is both a fan and SeV board adviser, offering input on features including a Weight Management System, which evenly balances the weight of items stored in its plethora of pockets, and a patented Personal Area Network, which lets you run your earbud cables through a hidden channel in the fabric. The SeV collection spans $20-450 and sells online.

Maglite XL100

The Maglite XL100 packs a mighty punch in a small device. Not only can it emit an SOS signal if you find yourself deserted from your crew on a late-night shoot, but it also has a built-in motion sensor that turns the light on in case you need to grab it in a hurry. Also ideal for when you’re rooting through your bag to find that extra SD card, with a simple twist the torch will remain off in a locked position. With a light range of about 440 feet into the distance, the Maglite XL100 is an essential expedition item and sells online or from most hardware stores for $40.

Zaggsparq 2.0

An extended shoot may keep you from an outlet for a few days, so keep all your gear charged with Zaggsparq. Fitted with two USB ports, the Zaggsparq will give you four full charges on most items like iPhones or GPS devices before it needs to be plugged in again. Pick it up online for $100.

IsatPhone Pro

Because you never know where your next assignment will lead you, a phone with full coverage keeps you connected in the most remote areas. A sensibly-sized satellite phone, Inmarsat’s newest addition—the IsatPhone Pro—works with their extensive global network and offers new features like text messaging, email and GPS information. The phone sells for $700, check the Inmarsat site for a convenient service provider.

Retrospective 30 Bag

With a bag full of expensive lenses and gear, keeping contents on the DL could save you both money and trouble when traveling. For photojournalists or camera nerds, Think Tank Photo offers a quality bag in a subtle gray or black colorway. The Retrospective 30 style can carry up to two professional size DSLRs and three to six lenses. Combined with their “No Rhetoric” warranty, the Think Tank messenger is an attractive way to transport all of your photo paraphernalia. It sells online for $180, where you can also check out smaller models.