iPad Accessories

Zagg is now accepting orders for its invisibleSHIELD screen protector for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. The invisibleSHIELD is a well trusted film that protects your iPad's display from scratches and abrasions while adding no unnecessary bulk to your device. It comes with a lifetime warranty and it is "engineered from advanced Military Grade technology" with "Nano-Memory Technology that allows it to self–heal" when damaged, according to Zagg.

If you order now Zagg will ship your invisibleSHIELD immediately, which means it should arrive before your iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3. Both of Apple's new tablets are expected to start shipping later this week (around 10/24/14).

Kensington has partnered with Mead to bring back the Trapper Keeper as an accessory for 7-inch and 10-inch tablets. In case you're too young, the Trapper Keeper was the must have accessory for every student in the '80s and '90s. Trapper Keepers usually featured some kind of cheesy image like generic sports players, a Lamborghini or abstract '80s-inspired designs. They were basically loose-leaf binders where you could attach additional folders to hold all your papers for different school subjects.

Kensington says the new Trapper Keepers will keep their original '80s aesthetic by featuring "sporty athletic patterns to colorful floral and artistic prints".

"There is definite appeal and nostalgia in marrying classic designs to new technology solutions, and we are delighted to release a collection that combines contemporary tablet accessories with such iconic designs from Mead," said Greg Agustin, Global Product Manager at Kensington.

Popular accessory maker ZAGG is holding a three day Father's Day sale for its iPhone and iPad accessories. You can save up to 70% on iPad and iPad mini keyboards, Bluetooth speakers and iPhone cases. The sale begins on June 4, 2014 and ends on June 6, 2014. Here are a few examples of what's on sale the next few days.

iPad mini Keyboard: Only $30 (normally $100) - While any external keyboard makes typing easier on your iPad mini, Zagg promises you will love its "unique hinge" system that allows you more viewing angles than the competition. The keyboard cover features a reversible reading option for when you're not typing, backlit keys and Bluetooth support. Zagg also claims that its mini keyboard is "one of the thinnest keyboards available" on the market.

MagBak, the creators of the MagStick, have resurfaced with a new Kickstarter campaign to fund a second "world's thinnest mount" for the iPad. The MagBack is an iPad mount that can adhere itself to "most metal surfaces". The mount features a minimalist and thin design that adds very little bulk to your iPad Air or iPad mini, and it also protects the back of your tablet while doubling as an easy to hold grip.

The MagBak iPad mount has already doubled its goal of $15,000 with 590 backers, but you can still get in on the action and pre-order either the MagBak Air or Mini with a $34 pledge. The "Basic Bundle" will nab you any color MagBak mount plus an additional MagStick mount.

Consumers should soon see at least a slight reduction in the price of most electronic and audio accessories (basically any accessory that needs to be plugged into the iPad, including headphones and game controllers), due to Apple reducing the licensing fees charged to third party accessory manufacturers.

In order for a third party manufacturer to successfully develop and market an iPad (or iPhone or iPod) accessory, paying Apple's MFi (made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) fee is part of doing business. By doing so, they are granted access to hardware components, technical support, documentation et cetera that are

There have been several iOS gamepads launched since Apple announced iOS 7 would feature MFi game controller support. However, up until now all the recently released controllers, like the MOGA Ace Power, have been focused solely on the iPhone. But that's all about to change thanks to SteelSeries' newly unveiled Stratus Wireless Controller.

The new iOS game controller connects to the iPad, iPhone and iPod via Bluetooth 2.1, and it can even connect to HD TVs through AppleTV using AirPlay Mirroring. Even though it doesn't attach to your device using the Lightning connector like the other controllers on the market, the Stratus still only supports the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad 4 and iPod Touch (5th Generation).

Griffin Technology announced today that its portable StudioConnect for the iPad and PowerMate jog dial will both be receiving an update in 2014. Both products will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. The international electronics and technology trade show runs from January 7 to January 10.

The StudioConnect has been upgraded with a pair of XLR inputs, USB and five-pin MIDI support, and is now compatible with both 30-pin and Lightning equipped iPads. The StudioConnect HD will be available for $200 this fall.

Third party iPad keyboards are not only a great way to free up space on your iPad or iPad mini's display, but most of them offer full-size keys and iOS shortcuts to make life much easier. And now with iOS 7, Apple has added the ability for developers to add these shortcuts to stock apps like Safari, Mail, and Pages. Not every OS X shortcut is available on iOS, but a few Apple bloggers have taken the time to sniff out what is available. Here is what they found using an iPad mini and a Logitech Tablet Keyboard.

Logitech has revealed its new lineup of iPad Air cases starting at $99. The Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio is a thin and light, water-repellent case that protects the front and back of your iPad Air. It comes with a keyboard which features full-size keys, iOS shortcuts and Logitech's new SecureLock system. The FabricSkin Keyboard Folio will retail for $149.99.

The $100 Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is equipped with an aluminum screen protector, built-in Bluetooth keyboard and a magnetic clip to securely attach your tablet.

The Ultrathin Keyboard Folio also features a Bluetooth keyboard and SecureLock system plus it doubles as an iPad stand for reading, typing and watching videos. The Keyboard Folio is $99.

Both Cygnett and Otterbox have unveiled their new cases for Apple's iPad Air. Cygnett has released a dual-view stand case for $50, a basic folio case for $40, a folding stand with different flexible viewing positions for $40, a dual-pyramid folding stand for $50, and an origami-inspired case for $60. And Otterbox is currently accepting pre-registration for their Defender Series iPad Air cases.

Cygnett's Pardox Sleek is available in black, pink, yellow and light grey, and features a rubberised finish cover and microfiber inner to protect the screen from scratches.

The Paradox Texture is available in charcoal and blue, and features a soft textured finish that mimics cracked granite.

The Paradox Lux is available in black/purple and red/white, and can be folded into multiple viewing angles so you can easily read, play games or watch movies on your iPad Air.