According to a new report, published by Korea IT News, Apple has requested for silver nanowire material from its display suppliers like Samsung Display and LG Display among others. The new material being investigated for use in the larger iPad is expected to enable Apple to make a thinner display for its upcoming iPad and increase touch sensitivity.

As the name suggests, the material is created from a mesh of silver wires which dramatically increases conductivity and eliminates the need for additional sensors to make multi-touch technology work.

iPad Pro isn’t expected to be announced this year. The report suggests that the company is aiming for 2016 release date. The device is also expected to include NFC chip to bring Apple Pay support to the tablet.

Apple’s next gen products always tend to be thinner than previous. If we compare the original iPad with the iPad Air 2 it will be clear that for the tablet category weight and thickness are very important aspects. We can certainly expect Apple to adopt new display technology even if it saves the slightest bit of weight or thickness.

It is will be interesting to see if the iPad Pro actually ships with a stylus as the company has never officially appreciated the development surrounding the stylus accessory. The most recent exception to this public acknowledgement of the stylus adding value to the iPad is the latest ad campaign which shows an app from the App Store being used with a stylus.

Are you excited about iPad Pro? Do you think it will ship with a stylus? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

The company created the accessory featuring a full backlit keyboard, battery indicator, smart typing, dedicated lock key  and more. The design and aesthetics of the device does resemble the physical keyboard found on old BlackBerry phones.

The Canadian smartphone manufacturer was quick to notice the similarities and sued Typo. BlackBerry won an injunction however, in response the keyboard maker launched second-gen model called Typo 2 which they believe does not infringe on BlackBerry’s patents.

According to a new report published by The Hollywood Reporter, BlackBerry has filed a second lawsuit against Typo alleging that Typo 2 continues to infringe on BlackBerry’s intellectual property.

The court announced an award of $860,000 to BlackBerry as Typo continued selling its original keyboard despite the injunction. BlackBerry has now demanded for for “enhanced and exemplary” damages for Typo’s continued infringement.

Since iPhones’ introduction in 2007 now every smartphone features touchscreen keyboards. Some device makers initially did try to differentiate their offering from the iPhone by offering a physical keyboard however, that strategy hasn’t worked too well as such phones have clearly not become a huge success.

Typo and Typo 2 caters to a niche segment that still prefers the old-school physical keyboard typing experience. Typo 2 design features flat keys that reduces its resemblance to BlackBerry’s keyboards however, it blocks the home button / Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 6.

Are you a fan of Typo 2 for iPhone? What do you think about BlackBerry suing Typo Innovations LLC? Let us know in the comments below.

Apple is now selling a new adapter for charging the iPhone 5 and other iOS devices that use the new Lightning connector. Previously, Apple sold the Lightning to 30-pin dock connector, allowing users of the older generations of the iPhone to use their existing chargers and accessories on their new devices. The latest adapter, Lightning to Micro USB allows any customer with a Micro USB charger to also charge their new iOS devices on their existing chargers.

This means that users of smartphones such as Blackberry’s and a multitude of Android phones that moved over to the iPhone will now be able to use the chargers from their older device. The adaper was initially sold to European customers only, as EU laws require that phones sold in Europe be able to charge via MicroUSB.

EU only requires that the device or manufacturer of the device to simply allow support for Micro USB as opposed to including an accessory for customers. By introducing the new adapter in the United States as well, Apple has now satisfied EU requirements and has provided US customers with yet another charging alternative. However, it does come at a price as the new Lightning to Micro USB charger will cost users a rather hefty $19 before taxes and shipping.

{Via MacRumors}

There is clearly a market for cases that prevent the more clumsy amongst us from damaging our beloved iPhones. Two of the most prevalent cases in that market at the moment are the Otterbox and LifeProof cases which not only protect your investment from drops but in the case of the LifeProof case from water too.

Well now there is a new contender to the crown in the shape of the Cellhelmet case from cellhelmet.com which not only promises to protect your iPhone from damage but is willing to put it’s money where it’s mouth is in the form of a years worth of accidental damage coverage for a whole year.

Think about that for a second, you purchase a case for $44.99 and not only do you get a good looking case but you also get a unlimited repairs and one full replacement for just the cost of a $50 handling fee per claim. Even with the handling charge it’s still a pretty staggering really!

Beyond the insurance the case offers a few benefits over its competitors in its space. Firstly the case has a good slim line form factor especially compared to the Otterbox which means it’s not going to add too much bulk when you are carrying it. Secondly it doesn’t have a built in screen protector like both the previously mentioned case, so if you like the direct feel of your iPhones glass then this is the case for you.

The case is made from a strong rubber case which balances the benefits of providing protection to your iPhone along with the benefit of being able to easily access all buttons and ports but also makes it easy to take on and off of your iPhone should you wish too. (Please note, your iPhone is not covered by the accidental damage insurance if you aren’t using the case at the time!)

The cases come in a clear or smoke shades and can be customized further by the use of 2 interchangeable backplates that fit inside the case to provide additional protection and a level of color customization. That being said the backplate barely showed through on the smoke version of the case that I had.

Overall the quality of the case is solid too, it feels likes it’s protecting your phone and while the smoothness of the rubber may not appeal to everyone it provides good grip and is robust. The only slight negative point about the case is some remnants of the machining process being left on one side of the case, it’s only a minor point though.

If you want to protect your iPhone and don’t want the bulk of the Otterbox or the restricted access of the LifeProof case along with a year long insurance policy against accidental damage then you should head over to cellhelmet.com and check out their Cellhelmet iPhone Case.

What we like

• A year of insurance
• Solid protection
• Customizable

What to know

• Minor machining defect

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5  is expected to be releases later this fall and numerous news reports and images spreading across the web suggest that the announcement is imminent.

On Monday, a report from AppleInsider speculated that Apple is in fact already working on accessories for the upcoming iPhone 5 release. The report mentions that the first case is likely a Bumper case, which was introduced with the iPhone 4 and would likely be adjusted to fit the larger 4 inch screen of the next gen iPhone.

However, the second case is reportedly a new and different design and is said to have “major impact on the accessory market.”. iLounge reported that while the case would disrupt third party case makers, the design would not be “hugely surprising”. Further speculation suggests there may even be a kickstand included in the case, as seen in some third party cases available for the iPhone 4S.

Early Monday, a report from iMore suggested that Apple’s sixth generation iPhone, as well as the rumored iPad Mini and perhaps even a new 5th gen iPod touch would be announced on September 12th. Apple announced availability of the Bumper case on the same day as the iPhone release, and released the Smart Cover on the release day of the iPad 2, so it is very likely that this iPhone 5 release would follow suit.

The next generation iPhone, being called the “iPhone 5” is expected to sport a larger 4 inch display, a smaller dock connector, as well as other minor changes including placement of headphone jack and FaceTime camera. The iPhone 5 is expected to be released alongside the public release of iOS 6.

When I only had one set of earphones in the house keeping them up together was never an issue, however as my family has grown, so has the number of earphones that are lying around the house. At the same time I find then nobody in my family, including me apparently have the time to wrap up their earphones carefully once they’ve finished using them.

Because of the above I’m often left with the task unravelling a tangled mess of wires which then hang in a twisted mess between my head and my iPhone, it doesn’t look good, it doesn’t feel good and more importantly it reduces the life of the earphones too.

These are the problems that Quirky is looking to resolve with their bargain priced Wrapster Headphone Cord Organizer which you can buy direct from their website for just $6.99.

The Wrapster Headphone Cord Organizer is a single, small piece of flexible plastic which wraps around at both sides producing two tubes which not only allows you to wrap your earphones around them securely when not in use but also allows you to keep the Wrapster attached to your earphone cord while in use should you wish too.

It feels well made, keeps your cords in great condition and is available in four colors. That being said it would be nice if more colors were available or even custom colors especially if they expect you to keep them attached to your earphones while you wear them.

It also has multiple uses as when you’re not using the Wrapster to store your earphones you can use it to stand up your iPhone 4 or 4S in landscape mode. Now while this secondary purposes is a nice addition it’s not particularly sturdy and so I wouldn’t recommend purchasing this solely as an iPhone stand as you will be disappointed, even at the cheap price.

Storage for earphones is unlikely to be a top priority for everyone but if you are one of those people who use earphones regularly then getting a storage solution should be a priority and at just $6.99 why wouldn’t you?

What we like

• Small and perfectly formed
• Easy to use
• Great price point

What to know

• More color options please!

Apple introduced the iPad 2 early last year, and with it, the Smart Cover. The Smart Cover was an accessory for the iPad that covered the screen, could be converted into a stand and automatically woke the iPad from sleep mode when opened. During the Apple’s 2012 WWDC conference, the Smart Cover was silently updated and added to the Apple Online Store.

The Smart Case is an updated version of Apple’s Smart Cover, and adds a polyurethane hardshell on the back for protection. It is available in the same six colors of the original Smart Covers (Light Gray, Dark Gray, Blue, Green, Pink, and a special (PRODUCT) RED edition. The Smart Case can be engraved for free when purchased.

The Smart Case adds a nice sense of style, and adds protection to what was otherwise the reason for a lot of broken iPad screens. The Smart Case is currently on sale in the Apple Online Store for $49.00, roughly $20-$30 cheaper than the Smart Cover and is eligible for gift wrapping and engraving.

CalypsoPad Review

Some companies get the Apple ethos, some don’t, in the case of Calypso Crystal they definitely get it, simplicity, quality, beauty is everything you get when you buy a CalypsoPad  for iPhone from them.

So what is a CalypsoPad I hear you ask, and that would be a valid question as it’s not an accessory that I, or you, have seen before. The CalypsoPad is part dock, part carpet for your iPhone and it’s purpose is to be a safe place for your iPhone to lay down on your desk, table, cabinet or any other place that your iPhone lives when it’s not in your hand or pocket.

The CalypsoPad in reality is a piece of premium Italian leather slightly larger than the iPhone itself with a magnetic clip at the bottom to hold the charging cable securely in place and prevents it from falling down the back of the cabinet/desk/table when you disconnect your phone.

Designed to lay flush on the piece of furniture that you place it on it’s not going to be practical if you need your device to be standing up to view it.

The quality of the accessory is immaculate with beautiful detail in the stitching which highlights the design perfectly, and if you love the smell of leather you won’t be disappointed either as it smells great!

CalypsoPad is not going to be for everyone as if you have a case on your iPhone why would you need a pad to lay it on, however it is beautifully designed and crafted and will look good on your desk.

If you are interested in taking a look or even purchasing a CalypsoPad it’s available in two colors and costs just $39 direct from their website.

Would you purchase a product like this? Let us know in the comments below or tweet me @4forkssake.

What we like:

• Simple design
• High quality
• Smells great!

What to know:

• A product that you didn’t know you needed!

A recent report from ElectricPig claimed that according to a Mac accessory manufacturer Apple Inc. (AAPL) could release a new 15 inch Macbook Air as early as this April.

And what is coming? If you take our source’s word for it, a 15-inch MacBook Air with ports on both sides, no optical drive and no ethernet cable.

While our source wasn’t certain that this would completely destroy the Pro (he also stated that Apple might hold on to the 17-inch model, which would make sense for the sizeable audience of professional editors out there), he was fairly sure that the shakeup will happen in April. To that end, our source’s company’s got its manufacturers on standby to be able to make and ship a new product lineup inside of 90 days.

The source has been rumored to be involved in MacBook Air docking solutions. Rumors about a new MacBook Air model have been around for quite some time. AAPL is also expected to update the processor inside the MacBook Air with the new Ivy Bridge processors. 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to shed some weight and thickness and feature the same thin-form factor of the MacBook Air.

Chip availability has been a reason for concern with the MacBooks shipping on time, with Apple unable to finalize their line until Intel provides the new Ivy Bridge platform. It is also unclear as to whether Apple will run traditional mobile chips as found in the current MacBook Pro or ultra low power chip.

If Apple releases a 15 inch Macbook Air in April, the Cupertino company could be looking at boost in sales. The design of Apple’s MacBook line up has stayed virtually unchanged for the past two generations, aside from a minor update to include the Thunderbolt port.

LifeProof Case Review for iPhone 4S: The Only Case You Need

The number of iPhone 4S sold over the holiday period continue to astound  and this can only mean that the numbers of people carrying an iPhone 4S with them continues to skyrocket.

There is of course an inherent risk in carrying around such an expensive investment with you everywhere you go and that’s in damaging it by dropping it, getting it wet, dirty or scratching it with a million and one things that it comes into contact everyday. And this increases if you take part in any activity in which you want to have your phone with you or if you are simply clumsy!

For as many ways that there are to damage your iPhone there are as many cases to protect it and I’ve had many of them. However, whichever case I’ve had I always felt that I’ve still had to protect my iPhone 4S especially from the inherent fear of water damage. This is no longer the case though as my iPhone is now wrapped in in a LifeProof case.

The LifeProof case is like nothing I have ever had, a case that protects your iPhone from drops, dirt, extreme temperatures and most importantly for me water, yes water. I’ve lost a couple of devices via water, one a simple drop out of a shirt pocket into a bowl of water and another via a trip through a washing machine. I also always have my iPhone with me in the bathroom, in the kitchen, by the pool, in fact it never leaves my side so having it in a case that protects it from any potential exposure to water has to be a good thing.

One thing that has put me off of other full protection cases have been the bulk of the cases, this is not the situation with the LifeProof case though as while it inevitably adds bulk it’s the minimum amount required considering the protection it offers.

The LifeProof comes beautifully packaged in a box that both shows off the case itself and all of the protection it offers. The total package contains the LifeProof case, a cleaning cloth and an adapter for the headphone socket which enables you to use your LifeProof with headphones and keep it waterproof and a spare headphone socket plug.

Putting the case on your phone correctly is key to ensuring that it stays water tight and this is covered by a range of videos that are made available to you to watch via the LifeProof website. All the videos are iPhone compatible of course and aren’t very long but are definitely worthy of a little of your time to ensure you do things correctly.

One of the steps that is highly recommended is the thorough cleaning of your iPhone to ensure that it remains both water tight and free from dust inside the case that could scratch the device. This is easily done with the supplied cleaning cloth and then you are ready to fit the case. To be fair putting your iPhone into the case is no different than any other similar full cover case, the only differance is that you need to ensure that not only is the seal around the top, bottom and sides of the case is free from dust, hairs or any other debris but is also fully snapped shut.

The final steps are to insert waterproof headphone plug and the door that allows access to the charging port at the bottom of the case. These two items enable you to fully use the case with the LifeProof case on, removing the headphone plug allows you to fit most headphone jacks while opening the charge port door enables you to charge your phone. Obviously opening both of the access points will deem the case not watertight any more, however LifeProof have thought of that too and that’s where the included headphone adapter comes in.

The headphone adapter screws into the case provides a watertight seal and still enables you to plug in your headphones while the dock extender that can be purchased seperately will allow any 3rd party adapter to connect to your iPhone while keeping your phone LifeProof’d too.

I’ve been using the case for about 3 weeks now and I’ve found no urge to remove my iPhone from my case, in fact the confidence that the case provides allowing me to enjoy my iPhone even more than I used to, if that’s possible! All the buttons are accessible and the built in screen protector works very well, in fact as a former user of an InvisibleScreen I’m impressed with the touch control and feel that I get with the LifeProof screen protector that’s not stuck to the iPhones screen.

In the time that I was using the LifeProof case I have been debating testing the waterproof feature of this case. At first I was reluctant, however after using the device with wet hands in the kitchen and bathroom and also while out in the rain with no detremental affects I decided to take the plunge as I had no reason to doubt the authenticity of LifeProof’s claims.

The videos that LifeProof providers demonstrate the case’s attributes are impressive, however due to my vicinity to a beach I decided that I would have to go a little lower in the production value department, the results can be seen below but are equally as impressive and I look forward to putting my LifeProof to the test further the next time I go on vacation.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, sports person, have young children or are quite simple prone to clumsiness LifeProof is your only option when it comes to iPhone cases, in fact as soon as you wrap you iPhone in one the only question you’ll be asking yourself is why you didn’t do it earlier.

What we like:

• It really is waterproof!
• Slim form
• Maximum protection
• Looks great
• Produces great underwater videos!

What to know:

• May need extender to fit docks

Krusell Gaia Mobile Pouch  [rating: 4/5]

I’ve used a variety of cases for all my hand held devices, sometimes I’ve used them to add additional style while sometimes I used cases for protection. None of this is different with my current device, my iPhone 4. However, there is one difference, the iPhone 4 looks so good I just want to carry it around naked all the time, the phone that is, not me!

Up until now I’ve been using a clear case that covers the back and sides of the iPhone 4, with this I get the best of both worlds as I get to see the clear design of my iPhone 4 and some protection too. Not full protection though, but this is where the new Krusell Gaia Mobile Pouch comes in.

The Gaia Mobile Pouch is a snug fitting leather pouch which hugs the iPhone both with and without a small case on the iPhone 4. The pouch comes in a range of colors but the black version looks sleek and professional with a rough surface that gives it both style and a textured grip. The leather feels soft to the touch but rugged which is an excellent combination.

The inner leather is soft too and provides a perfect pillow for your iPhone for to rest against and slide against as he iPhone slips in and out. Without a small case on the iPhone it will slip in and out of the pouch easily while if you keep a small case on the iPhone the fit will be a little tighter, but neither is a problem.

The details haven’t been missed either, from the double line of white stitching down the front of the pouch and embossed Krusell logo to the hook on the back to attach the pouch to a key ring or lanyard it’s all there.

As you would probably expect with a pouch there are no slots to charge through or to give access to the volume controls but the top of the phone is accessible to plug head phones into.

The iPhone 4 case retails for under $20 and is a great option if, like me, you want to keep your phone ‘nude’ while in use, yet protected while on the move.

Krusell Gaia Mobile Pouch is currently available for $17.95 from Touch Reviews Store.

Pros

• Good snug fit
• Professional style
• Attention to detail

Cons

• Limited device access when pouched
• Could fall out if held upside down

In early July we reported on a small touch screen panel which was leaked by a website and was rumored to be the next iPod shuffle with touch controls or the new Apple iWatch. Apple surprised us during the special music event where Steve Jobs announced the new iPod nano which turned out to be the smallest Apple device with multi-touch controls.

Apple’s best selling iPod was the nano before iPod touch surpassed the sales to become the #1. Previous gen iPod nano offered video playback, was capable of recording videos and was larger. When Apple introduced the new nano it was clear that they are trying to focus on offering more features in the iPod touch and restricting iPod nano’s and shuffle’s role as a music player only.

If you were disappointed  about Apple not introducing an iWatch then you’d be happy to know that iLoveHandles has come up with a unique accessory for the new iPod nano. The company has started selling Rock Band, a leather strap which has been specially designed to support the new iPod nano and enables you to wear it as a wristwatch. The leather strap will cost you $19.95.

Have you bought the new iPod nano? Will you be buying iLoveHandles leather strap to turn your nano into an iWatch? Let us know your thoughts.