Admit it, we’re in love with our mobile devices. Even while camping in the middle of the forest, give us Wi-Fi, and we’ll regularly check our email and Facebook to make sure we’re not missing anything. Snap a pic, record a video, share an update, there are just so many things to do via mobile. Add work connectivity into the mix, and you can set up your own mobile office.
While smartphones and tablets are great, a whole slew of gadgets and gizmos have been created to extend the unique capabilities of these wonderful devices. In this slideshow, we’ve collected 15 unique and innovative inventions that can add functionality, connectivity and just plain convenience to your mobile devices.
Innovative Mobile Gadgets
Click through for 15 unique and innovative inventions that can add functionality, connectivity and convenience to your mobile devices.
nexpaq
nexpaq allows you to easily customize, enhance, and add features to your smartphone through the case. To put it simply: You can add and remove physical “modules” (think Lego bricks with special powers) directly from the back of your case without powering down. Modules are interchangeable between iOS and Android phones. The case is currently compatible with iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Samsung Galaxy S5, and is expected to be available November 2015.
The 12 modules currently available include:
- Battery power – provides up to 60 percent more battery power
- Amplified speaker – makes your phone up to 60 percent louder
- Super LED flashlight – helps you see and provides better light for photos
- SD card reader – plugs in an SD card for added storage space
- Temperature and humidity – takes your temperature or that of objects around you
- Hotkeys – sets up shortcuts to access phone functions faster
- USB flash – 32 GB and 64 GB modules available
- Air quality – checks for potentially dangerous or toxic gases
- Breathalyzer – know when you or your friends should or shouldn’t drive
- Laser – great for meetings and presentations
- Backup – a tiny 64 GB hard drive
- Dummy – fill empty slots in a snap
Inateck Bluetooth 3.0 Ultra Slim Keyboard
Inateck has developed a highly rated ultra slim keyboard for use with Bluetooth 3.0-enabled mobile devices. The slim shape is ergonomically pleasing, easy to use and easy to carry. The built-in 200mA lithium battery works for up to eight hours of continuous use and four months in standby, and will go to sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity. The keyboard is compatible with Android, Windows and iOS devices.
Cost: $39.99
Grip Strip
Look, mom! No magnet, velcro or sticky adhesive in sight. The Grip Strip is made of a silicone compound that will hold just about everything from smartphones to sunglasses, pens and keys. Just place on your dashboard, desk or wall and place your items on top.
Cost: $11.00
Brease
Do wish you had a personal, private cloud for all your data? Check out the Brease campaign on Kickstarter. Brease is an easy to setup cloud hub that turns storage you already own into your own personal cloud, making your physical storage accessible on all your devices. All files are secured using a military grade AES 256-bit encryption model. The project is slated to run until mid-June 2015, with an estimated delivery date of February 2016.
Cost: Super Early Bird Pledge $79 USD or more
SnapPower Charger
Need to power up your electronic devices via a USB? Check out the SnapPower Charger. It’s a cover plate that fits over existing outlets – no hard wiring needed – making any standard outlet in your home USB compatible in seconds. The dedicated USB port leaves both outlets free for other uses. The chargers are compatible with standard duplex and decor outlets that have exposed screw terminals, regardless of the manufacturer or year. The SnapPower charger is not compatible with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets that are sometimes found in bathrooms.
Cost: Individual units cost $20 / Bundle pricing also available
Loopio
Have trouble keeping up with your keys, bag or wallet? Check out Loopio, a new mobile tracking device currently in Kickstarter. The loop on the slim aluminum tracker acts as the antenna as well as a convenient way to attach it to items. According to the designer, it’s able to achieve optimal signal stability for up to 50m (164 feet). The project is slated to run until the middle of June, with an estimated delivery of October 2015.
Cost: Super Early Bird Pledge £20 ($31 USD) or more
Tulip 3200mAh Compact Power Bank
Need a little backup power for your mobile devices? Check out the Tulip 3200mAh compact battery charger. It’s compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, iPod nano/classic, HP TouchPad, LG G2, Asus tablets, as well as some GPS and Bluetooth devices.
Cost: $12.99
Wishbone
A recently funded Kickstarter program, the Wishbone thermometer contains a non-invasive infrared sensor that allows you to measure body temperature or the temperature of objects around you. The device is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It is available in three colors: turquoise, primrose and lime.
Cost: $39.99
Livescribe+
Have a Livescribe3 pen? The Livecribe Android app has officially launched. The app connects your smartpen with your phone, allowing you to take notes on physical paper and automatically save a digital copy to your tablet or smartphone.
Cost: App – Free / Pen – $149
Solar E Panels
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to charge your mobile devices or plan to be out in the wild for a time, you might want to check out the Solar E Panels. The Solar E Panel, a compact and lightweight solar charger, will charge up your most vital electronic devices while you’re far away from an outlet. The charger comes in either 5.6 or 11 watts. The 5.6 watt has an easel back and single USB output port with 1A. The 11 watt unit has two USB output ports with a total 2.1A.
Cost: Starts at $69.99
NuDock
Love all things Apple? Check out the NuDock Apple Watch and iPhone docking station. The unit has a touch-sensitive light and three integrated USB charging ports for the iPhone, Apple Watch and an additional device such as an iPad or Kindle. Already fully funded on Indiegogo, delivery of the docking station with lamp is expected in July 2015.
Cost: $149
kraftwerk
Looking for a portable power plant for all your mobile devices? Check out kraftwerk, a totally new energy supply technology for mobile electronic devices. kraftwerk enables you to generate your own energy using a small, handy device – in such large amounts that you can run your iPhone, tablet, or even your GoPro camera for weeks, according to the creator. The device runs on standard camping gas or commercially available lighter gas. Expected delivery is February 2016.
Cost: $149
Remix – Samsung Phone Dock
Looking to connect your Samsung phone to audio or video equipment – all while charging the device? Check out the 24-bit HiFi Audio DAC, 1080P, 5200mAh Remix dock. The device has two USB ports and an HDMI port. The Power Bank function allows you to charge your devices while on the go. Expected delivery is July 2015.
Cost: Starting at $36
Smartphone Kit of Perpetual Cleaning
Looking for a sure-fire way to keep your smartphone, tablet or camera lenses clean? Check out the Smartphone Kit for Perpetual Cleaning. The kit includes disposable lens cleaners, dust blaster, pen-style lens cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Cost: $39.99
BOLD Knot
Need an emergency boost for your mobile devices? Check out the BOLD Knot on Indiegogo. Just plug it into your phone and charge while you make your calls, search online or send messages. The keychain-size battery can provide up to eight hours of music, three hours of talk time and 2.5 hours of Internet connectivity. Expected delivery is October 2015.
Cost: Earlybird – $29 / Indiegogo Special Price – $39
