As our exploration of the sprawling iProducts Marketplace at CES 2015 continued, we discovered some interesting family solutions by Echo Creations, a pretty slick new MacBook Pro Docking Station from Henge Docks, new iOS external storage and presentation solutions from Hyper, and some new charging solutions from iBattz.
Echo Creations’ Mozbii ($100) is a really interesting new stylus targeted at children. Using Bluetooth to pair with a companion iPad app, Mozbii allows kids to sample colors by tapping the top of the stylus against any real-world object to “transfer” that color to the stylus tip, where they can then start drawing or coloring on their iPad. Mozbii is available now from the company’s web site, and should be appearing in other retail channels soon.
Available in both Standard and Pro versions, Air Mentor ($200/$250) is an air quality sensor for your home that monitors air temperature, relative humidity, and dust pollution, with the Pro version also adding CO2 level based gas pollution tracking. An LED light prominently displayed on the front changes color to advise of worsening air quality conditions, and a companion iOS app can be used to monitor and track air quality right from your iPhone or iPad.
Petogo is a fitness and activity tracker for your dog that stores data on active time, exercise time, energy, and syncs it with an iOS app to generate reports on your pet’s health and allow you to track additional information. Users can also setup targets and reminders to help them stay on track in exercising with their loved one.
Henge Docks has debuted its new Horizontal Docking Station for MacBooks ($400), one of the most elegant solutions we’ve seen for users who need to regularly move between a desktop workstation and portable mode. The new docking station uses motorized servos at each side to connect into the MacBook Pro ports, and features a companion OS X app that can take care of things like requiring a password to undock the MacBook, rearranging windows for multiple monitors, and more. The docking station supports up to three displays and 13 expansion ports. A version for the 15″ MacBook Pro is expected to ship this spring, with a 13″ version coming later.
Hyper’s new iPin Laser Presenter ($50) pops into your iPhone’s headphone jack, allowing you to turn your device into a laser pointer for giving presentations.
A companion software app provides the ability to control the laser pointer in tandem with presentations being run from your iPad, Mac, or PC, making this a more comprehensive solution than simply strapping a laser pointer onto your iPhone.
Hyper’s iStick ($80 – $200) takes advantage of a new feature in iOS 8 that allows third-party apps to directly access storage devices via the Lightning Port. Available in capacities from 16GB to 128GB, the companion app lets you transfer photos and videos off your device, or to simply use the iStick as a place to store movies and music for later viewing and listening pleasure. The latest version includes a micro-USB connector embedded within the standard USB plug, providing even more connectivity options. It’s expected to ship in March.
ASAP Charger is a new battery pack solution from iBattz that provides external power for an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, with its signature feature being the ability to recharge itself in about 15 minutes with enough charge to then refill an iPhone 6. It’s available in 5600 mAh ($60) and 11400 mAh ($100) capacities, and is expected to ship in March.
iBattz has expanded its Invictus line with a new version for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, providing a super slim profile and a modular battery design.
